How to detect early signs of cervical cancer?

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A Pap smear test, also known as a Papanicolaou test/ Liquid Based Cytology (LBC), is a screening procedure to detect cervical cancer in women, which is caused by a sexually transmitted virus called ‘Human Papillomavirus' (HPV). It involves collecting cells from your cervix (the lower narrower portion of the uterus).

According to research by the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, a woman dies of cervical cancer every eight minutes in India. The nation alone accounts for one-fourth of cervical cancer cases globally, and for 17 percent of all cancer-related deaths among women aged between 30 to 69 years. It is also estimated that 1 in 53 Indian women are detected with cervical cancer during their lifetime compared to 1 in 100 women in more developed regions of the world.
A Pap smear can detect precancerous lesions (abnormal cells that are associated with an increased risk of developing into cancer), which allow the implementation of preventive treatment. In addition, it can also help spot any other infections that may appear in the cervical or vaginal area. Besides early detection, getting the test every few years cuts down on unnecessary panic resulting from abnormal results.

Pap smear medical test

Generally conducted during a pelvic examination, the test identifies abnormal cervical changes that may suggest that the cancer is likely to develop or has already developed. In many cases, it is possible to identify and treat it before it spreads beyond the cervix. Once a woman becomes sexually active, persistent infections can lead to precancerous changes that can be fatal if left undetected. Moreover, symptoms are rare in its early stages and therefore, being aware of the disease, causes and precautionary measures, such as getting screened or tested can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Smoking, poor nutrition, weakened immunity and multiple pregnancies are some common causes of cervical cancer. It is thus important to know signs and symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, back pain, leg pain or swelling, pain in the abdomen, post-coital bleeding or spotting, foul-smelling discharge.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggests the following:

• Those younger than 21 do not need to get Pap smears
• Those aged 21 to 29 should get a Pap smear every three years
• Those aged 30 to 65 should get a Pap smear every three years, or a Pap smear plus an HPV test every five years.
• Those older than 65 can stop Pap smear tests only if they've had positive test results for several years