The importance of early cervical cancer screening: What women should know

Cervical cancer is a major health concern for women worldwide. However, with advancements in screening and prevention, the chances of early detection and successful treatment have improved dramatically.

This article provides an expert insight into cervical cancer screening, highlighting when to start, what the screening process involves, and what to do if abnormal cells are detected.

At what age should women start getting screened for cervical cancer?

In the UK, health guidelines recommend that women begin cervical cancer screening at the age of 25.

Women aged 25 to 49 should be screened every three years, whilst those aged 50 to 64 should have screening every five years. Women over 65 may not need to continue screening if they have had regular screenings in the past and haven't had serious pre-cancerous conditions.

It's essential for women to be aware of these recommendations, as starting screening at the right age can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

Why is early cervical cancer screening important?

Early screening is important because it can identify abnormal cells in the cervix before they develop into cancer. These abnormal changes are often referred to as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. If detected early, these changes can be monitored or treated, significantly lowering the risk of developing invasive cervical cancer.

In addition, cervical cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screening is so essential. As the disease progresses, women may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding - such as bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or post-menopausal bleeding - along with pelvic pain and unusual discharge.

What does cervical cancer screening consist of?

Cervical cancer screening typically involves a Pap test (or Pap smear). You will be advised to avoid sexual intercourse, douching, or using vaginal medications for 48 hours before the test to ensure accurate results.

During your screening appointment, a speculum will be gently inserted into the vagina to allow your gynaecologist to view the cervix. A small brush or spatula will then be used to collect cells from the surface of the cervix. This process may cause mild discomfort but it’s generally quick, lasting only a few minutes.

In some cases, a test for HPV (human papillomavirus) may be performed simultaneously. HPV is a virus frequently linked to cervical cancer.

What happens if abnormal cells are found?

If your screening results reveal abnormal cells, your gynaecologist will explain the next steps to follow. This may involve:

Follow-up tests

• Colposcopy: A colposcopy is a more in-depth examination of the cervix conducted with a specialised magnifying instrument. If any areas appear abnormal, a biopsy may be performed to collect tissue samples for further analysis.
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small amount of tissue from the cervix to be examined under a microscope. This helps to determine whether cancer is present.

Treatment options

Depending on the findings, treatment may include:

• Monitoring: In cases where only mild abnormalities are detected, your gynaecologist may recommend a watch-and-wait approach with regular follow-ups.
• Procedures: For more significant abnormalities, treatments may include cryotherapy (freezing abnormal cells), LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure), or other surgical options to remove affected tissue.