Introduction:
Cervical cancer is a malignant disease in which cancerous cells form in the lower, narrow end of the uterus called the cervix. The cervix leads from the uterus to the birth canal or vagina.
Cervical cancer develops slowly. Before the development of cancer, dysplastic changes occur in the cells of the cervix. Post that, cancer cells start to grow more deeply into it.
Cervical dysplasia usually occurs in women between the age of twenty to thirty years. Regular screening by the Papanicolau test reduces the chances of late detection and death. The chances of death due to cervical cancer progresses with age. This routine screening is key to preventing such modalities.
What Is Meant by Screening?
Screening means looking for a disease (cancer) before a person develops any symptoms. It is generally useful in detecting cancer at the early or initial stage. The treatment becomes more effective when the disease is diagnosed early. Cancer usually begins to spread with the appearance of symptoms. Scientists are trying to find the causative factors and the people who are likely to get more affected by certain types of cancers to recommend to doctors whom to be screened for and which all tests should be done. Remember, screening tests are diagnostic tools and are suggested when an individual has no cancer symptoms. If the screening test results are found abnormal, then the doctor might suggest some more tests to rule out cancer.
What Are the Risk Factors Linked With Cervical Cancer?
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Human papillomavirus infection is one of the major causative factors for cervical cancer. But not all women with infections need to develop cervical cancer. Some human papillomavirus infections may go away without any treatment.
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Human papillomavirus infection mainly spreads through sexual contact. Women who participate in sexual activities at an early age or have multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of getting this infection.
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Other risk factors include giving birth to many children, overuse of contraceptive pills, cigarette smoking, and a weak immune system.
How Does Cervical Cancer Occur?
Cervix has a thin layered tissue covering made up of:
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Squamous cells.
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Glandular cells that produce mucus.
Cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally and in an uncontrolled manner. The cancer cells invade deeper and deeper into tissues. In advanced cases, cells start spreading to other organs of the body.
How to Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Regular screening with Papanicolaou tests (Pap test) and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests to find precancers is useful in preventing cervical cancers. It can also be prevented by the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This vaccine is recommended for people aged nine to forty-five years.
Other ways to prevent cervical cancer are:
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Delay first sexual intercourse till 18 years of age.
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Limit the number of sexual partners.
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Practice safer sex.
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Avoid sex with people who have already had sex with multiple partners.
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Avoid sexual intercourse with people having genital warts or sexually transmitted disease.
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Quit smoking.
Which Tests and Procedures Are Used in Screening for Cervical Cancers?
Cervical cancer screening is used to find out abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that might lead to cancer. Screening tests include:
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Cervical cytology test or Papanicolaou test (Pap test).
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) test.
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Both.
To perform the above tests, cells are taken from the cervix. The cells are then put into a special liquid and sent to the laboratory for further testing. For a Papanicolaou test, the sample is examined to see the presence of abnormal cells.
For a human papillomavirus test, the sample is looked for in the presence of high-risk types.
Women with low-grade changes can be tested more frequently to see if the cells return to normal or not. Women with high-grade changes can have treatment by removing cells. Regular screening can save lives.
Let Us Discuss the Tests and Procedures in Brief:
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Papanicolaou (Pap) Test: This test is the most common test to see early changes in the cells. It involves gathering cells from the cervix by using a small brush. The cells are then visualized under a microscope. It can also be combined with a human papillomavirus (HPV) test.
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Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test: This test is performed on cells taken from the cervix. The sample is tested for strains of human papillomavirus in association with cervical cancer. The test is used to check deoxyribonucleic acid or ribonucleic acid for certain types of viral infections. It can be done alone or along with the Papanicolaou (Pap) test. When both tests are done using the cells, it is called a co-test.
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Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid (VIA): It is a screening test done with diagnostic tools. During this test, a dilute solution of white vinegar is applied to the cervix. After exposure to vinegar, the abnormality turns white. This test is particularly suitable for places where medical access is confined.
When Is the Right Time For Screening?
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One should start getting Papanicolaou (Pap) tests at the age of 21. If the test reports are normal, the doctor might advise the individual to wait for three years until the next test.
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If a person is between the age group of 30 to 65 years, the doctor will first advise the patient to undergo the Papanicolaou (Pap) test. If it is normal, repeat the same after three years. For the human papillomavirus (HPV) test, if the reports are normal, the patient can wait for five years until the next screening.
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If the patient is above the age of 65 years, they do not need to be screened anymore.
How to Prepare for the Test?
Following are the points to keep in mind before the patient goes for the test:
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Do not schedule the test at a time when are having periods.
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The patient should not use douche before the test.
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The patient should avoid sexual intercourse.
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Avoid the use of birth control foam, cream, jelly, and tampons.
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Do not use any cream or medicine in the vagina, as they might alter the test results.
Test Results:
It takes up to three weeks to receive the test reports. If the results are abnormal, the doctor will schedule further follow-ups. An abnormal test report does not necessarily indicate cancer.
If the reports indicate cancer anyway, the doctor will let the patient know the treatment needed for the same. It is important to follow up with the doctor for better treatment.
If the reports are normal, there are very few chances of the patient getting cervical cancer in the next five years.
Conclusion:
Screening of cervical cancer should be routinely followed as it may eliminate the risk of serious ailments. Every woman after the age of 21 should be screened for their safety. Screening is just a diagnostic tool and alarms at an earlier stage before the progression of cancer. Many women are saved from going to their deathbeds with the help of screening programs. Thus, one should actively participate in such programs and encourage others along with them.
