What is Cervical Cancer?

Cancer is a health condition in which the body’s cells grow out of control. Even if it later spreads to other parts of the body, cancer is always referred to by its initial location in the body. Cervical cancer occurs when cancer begins in the cervix. The vagina, birth canal, and the upper part of the uterus are connected by the cervix. When a woman is pregnant, the place where a baby grows is the uterus or womb.

In low- and middle-income nations, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women. Cervical cancer is commonly diagnosed in individuals aged between 35 and 44. Cervical cancer is mostly caused by persistent infection with certain human papillomavirus (HPV). During sex, the HPV virus is commonly transmitted from one person to another. While few women will develop cervical cancer, at least half of those who engage in sexual activity will develop HPV at some point in their lives.

What is Cervical Cancer Screening?

A disease is detected through screening before symptoms appear. For people with a cervix, screening for cervical cancer is essential to routine medical care.

Screening for cervical cancer aims to find precancerous cervical cell changes when treatment can prevent cancer from developing. During cervical screening, cancer can occasionally be detected. Cervical cancer, if detected early, is usually easier to treat. When symptoms appear, cervical cancer usually starts to spread, making treatment more difficult.

Cervical cancer screening can be performed in three primary ways:

• The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for cells infected with HPV types with a high risk of causing cervical cancer. The HPV test detects the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.

• A Pap test, also called Pap smear or cervical cytology, collects cervical cells to look for changes caused by HPV that could lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. It can detect precancerous cells and cervical cancer cells. Infection or inflammation, for example, can sometimes be detected by a Pap test. The Pap test helps to find cell changes on your cervix that could turn into cervical cancer if they aren’t treated properly.

• The HPV/Pap co-test uses an HPV test and Pap test to check for high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes. Pap and HPV tests can help detect or prevent cervical cancer. Both tests can be performed in a clinic or a doctor’s office.

Who should get Cervical Cancer Screening?

• If you are between the ages of 21 and 29 years: You ought to begin getting Pap tests at age 21. Assuming your Pap test result is ordinary, the doctor might tell you that you can stand by three years until your next Pap test.

• If you are between 30 and 65 years of age: Discuss with the doctor which testing choice is appropriate for you —

  • A Pap test: Assuming your typical outcome, the doctor might tell you that you can stand by three years until your next Pap test.
  • An HPV test: This is called essential HPV testing. Assuming your outcome is ordinary, the doctor might tell you that you can stand by five years until your next screening test.
  • The HPV/Pap co-test: If both outcomes are ordinary, the doctor might tell you that you can stand by five years until your next screening test.

• If you are older than 65 years of age: The doctor might let you know that you needn’t bother with being screened any longer if :

  • You have had typical screening test results for a considerable length of time, or
  • You have had your cervix eliminated as a feature of an all-out hysterectomy for non-harmful circumstances, similar to fibroids.

How is Cervical Cancer Screening performed?

Before taking the test, there are a few things you need to remember:

• You must not douche (rinse the vagina with water or any other fluid) two days before your test.
• Tampons should not be used.
• You should not engage in sex.
• You should not consume birth control foam, cream, or jelly.
• You should never apply cream or medicine to your vagina.

Typically, cervical cancer screening tests are administered during a brief pelvic exam. You take the exam by lying on your back on a table, bending your knees, and inserting your feet into supports at the table’s end. A speculum gently opens your vagina so Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah can see the cervix.

The cervical sampling vagina is made wider by inserting a speculum into it. A brush is inserted into your vagina to extract some cells from the cervix.

An HPV test is performed on the samples’ cells, which are then sent to a laboratory to evaluate whether they are infected with the types of HPV that cause cancer. A Pap test can check the same sample for abnormal cells. An HPV/Pap co-test is when a Pap test and an HPV test are performed on the same sample.

In addition to taking samples for an HPV or Pap test, a pelvic exam may include other procedures. Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah may also feel the uterus and ovaries to look for any lumps or cysts and assess their size, shape, and position. Additionally, the rectum may be examined for abnormalities or lumps. Discuss the possibility of having a test for sexually transmitted infections with Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah.

Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah will outline what to anticipate at each examination stage to put your mind at ease.

How often should Cervical Cancer Screening be done?

A vital component of women’s health care is screening for cervical cancer. You should start screening at age 21, regardless of when you first start having sex. It would be best if you had cervical cancer screenings regularly, depending on your age and medical history. A Pap test alone should be taken every three years by women aged 21 to 29. For women between the age of 25 and 29, HPV testing on its own is an option, but Pap tests are usually preferred.

Women who are between 30 to 65 have three options for testing. Every five years, they can have both a Pap test and an HPV test (co-testing). They can get a Pap test on their own every three years. Alternatively, they can get just HPV testing every five years.

What is the cost of Cervical Cancer Screening in Ahmedabad?

The cost of cervical cancer screening at Saavi Women's Hospital in Ahmedabad will depend on your insurance coverage and any additional tests or procedures that may be recommended. Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah will discuss the cost with you during your appointment.