Cervical Cancer Screening, Treatment, And Prevention

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers, yet it continues to pose a significant health risk to women worldwide. In Singapore, cervical cancer is among the frequently occurring cancer among the female resident population according to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021. Despite this, the incident and mortality rates of cervical cancer in Singaporean women have been decreasing over the years likely due to the increased awareness of cervical cancer screening and vaccination against HPV or human papillomavirus, a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Learn more about cervical cancer screening, treatment, and prevention in this article.

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The Importance Of Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer screening is a critical step in identifying pre-cancerous changes or early stages of cervical cancer. Screening methods such as the Pap smear and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test play an essential role in detecting abnormalities before symptoms develop.

Who Should Do Cervical Cancer Screening In Singapore

Cervical cancer is most common in women over the age of 30. The MOH guidelines for cervical cancer screening are as follows:

Pap smear screening should be performed at least once every 3 years and does not apply to women with previous abnormal pap smears who are on follow-up with a gynecologist.

How Screening Is Done

There are several cervical cancer screening options in Singapore including:

Pap Smear

The pap smear fulfills the World Health Organization’s criteria for an effective screening test. It involves the collection of sample cells from the cervix. These cells are then examined at the laboratory for any indication of cervical cancer or precancerous cells.

HPV Test

The HPV test is recommended for women about 30 years of age and should be done every 5 years if the test results are normal. It involves checking for HPV or human papillomavirus and involves the collection of cells like pap smear. HPV tests are often done in conjunction with a pap smear, and the two tests together are referred to as co-testing.

Thinprep Pap Test

Another screening test for cervical cancer is the Thinprep pap test that also involves the collection of cervical cells. These cells are then suspended in a vial of preservative fluid. Thinprep pap test samples are less likely to have blood or mucus, which helps improve the accuracy of the results.

Treatment Options For Cervical Cancer In Singapore

If cervical cancer is detected, various treatment options are available depending on the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. Common treatments include:

• Surgery – Surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy or cone biopsy are often recommended for early-stage cervical cancer. These methods aim to remove cancerous tissue and prevent the spread of the disease.
• Radiation Therapy – Uuses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It is commonly combined with chemotherapy for advanced cases to maximise treatment effectiveness.
• Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It is typically used for more advanced stages of cervical cancer or when surgery is not a viable option.
• Targeted Therapy – Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth. This treatment is less invasive and can be combined with other therapies to improve outcomes.

Preventive Measures For Cervical Cancer

Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth. This treatment is less invasive and can be combined with other therapies to improve outcomes.

1. HPV Vaccination

The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infections from high-risk HPV types responsible for most cervical cancer cases. In Singapore, the vaccine is recommended for girls and women aged 9 to 26 years. It is also available for males to prevent HPV-related diseases.

2. Regular Screening

Regular cervical cancer screening remains one of the most effective ways to detect and prevent the progression of the disease. Ensure that you follow the recommended screening schedule based on your age and medical history.

3. Practising Safe Sexual Health

Using barrier protection methods such as condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners can reduce the risk of HPV infection.

4. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can strengthen the immune system and lower the risk of cervical cancer.

Why Early Detection Matters

Early detection of cervical cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and increases survival rates. When diagnosed at an early stage, cervical cancer has a five-year survival rate of over 90%. This underscores the importance of regular screening and prompt medical attention if symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or unusual vaginal discharge occur.

Schedule A Cervical Cancer Screening

Screening for cervical cancer such as pap smear may be included in a health screening package for women. For those seeking cost-effective options, below are health screening packages in Malaysia with pap smear tests that you may consider.

Explore more health screening packages in our e-shop.

Learn more about health screening packages in our guide.

For other questions and inquiries about booking or to schedule a consultation with a specialist for cervical cancer, contact us through the button below.

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