Cervical Cancer is the 10th commonest women’s cancer in Singapore.
Protect yourself against cervical cancer with just 2 easy steps – Pap smears and HPV vaccinations.
What is the cervix?
The cervix sits at the bottom of your uterus, and at the top of your vagina. It is the opening from the outer genital tract (vagina) into your inner pelvic organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries).
What causes cervical cancer?
During sexual intercourse, the cervix is exposed to organisms such as bacteria or viruses. The Human Papilloma Virus is one of them.
Human Papilloma Virus is one of the commonest sexually acquired infections. Because HPV is so common, women who have only had one sexual partner in the past are still at risk of catching it.
The more partners you have had, the higher your risk of having HPV.
HPV infects the cells of the cervix, causing local inflammation.
In the long run, HPV infection results in Cervical Cancer.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Most women who have cervical cancer don’t have any symptoms!
This is why regular screening in the form of Pap smears is so important.
Other symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex, bleeding in between periods, abnormally heavy periods, or bleeding after menopause.
Cervical cancer can also cause abnormal vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, or pain on urination.
Click on the links above to read more about these topics.
How do I prevent cervical cancer?
You can prevent cancer in 2 easy ways!
1. Regular Pap smear screening
All women who are sexually active should go for regular Pap smear testing.
The PAP smear procedure is very simple. Your doctor will perform a pelvic examination, which involves inserting a small plastic device known as a speculum into your vagina. This allows for better visualisation of the cervix. A scraping of the cells of your cervix will be taken using a soft brush. These cells will be sent, in a special liquid, for analysis in the lab.
During the examination, your doctor might take an additional swab to send for HPV testing. This test helps in identifying the high risk, cancer-causing strains of HPV.
If you test positive for these high-risk strains, you might require a referral to the gynaecologist for a more detailed cervical examination.
Learn more about the Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs) on PAP Smear or PAP Test
2. HPV Vaccinations
Other than regular Pap smears, you should also receive your HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9 Singapore) to prevent cervical cancer.
HPV vaccination consists of 3 vaccinations over 6 months. There are 2 types of HPV Vaccinations available in Singapore.
Learn more about the Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ) on HPV Vaccination
Need a Female Doctor?
Having Women’s Health concerns?
Please visit our Partner Clinics or contact them at their GP Plus Clinics in Singapore. They are open on weekends too.
For more information, please visit DTAP Clinic website, www.dtapclinic.com or email them at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
