Understanding the Importance of Early Cervical Cancer Screening for Self-Protection
YOGYAKARTA - Cervical cancer screening is an important step that is most crucial for every woman to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix before it develops into a much more serious medical condition.
However, many people are hesitant because of the lack of proper information regarding this procedure. In fact, a good understanding can help you face the examination calmly while giving a sense of security about reproductive health.
What is Cervical Cancer Screening?The main purpose of this procedure is to find precancerous cell changes in the cervix. If found early, treatment can be done immediately to prevent cancer from developing.
In fact, often cancers found in the early stages are much easier to treat than if you wait until symptoms appear, where the cancer usually has started to spread.
In order to better understand cervical cancer, as reported by VOI from the National Cancer Institute website, here are some things you need to know first:
Know the Types of Tests Commonly UsedThere are three main ways used in cervical cancer medical examinations today, including:
HPV test: Checking the presence of high-risk Human Papillomavirus that is the main cause of cervical cancer. Pap Test (Pap Smear): Taking a sample of cells to see if there are cell changes due to HPV. This test can also detect inflammation or non-cancer infections. HPV and Pap Cotest: A combination method that checks the HPV virus and cell changes simultaneously for more accurate results.When Should You Get Screened?The recommendation for examination usually depends on your age and health history, starting from the following age levels:
Age 21-29: It is recommended to do the first Pap Smear at the age of 21, then regularly every 3 years. Age 30-65: You have the option of doing HPV tests only every 5 years, cotest every 5 years, or keep Pap Smear every 3 years. Over 65: If the results of previous tests are routinely normal, you may not need screening anymore. However, consult your doctor.Read also the article discussing Gray Hair as a Natural Way for the Body to Suppress Cancer? This is the Explanation of the Study
You need to know, even though you have received the HPV vaccine, you are still required to follow the screening schedule because the vaccine does not protect against all types of high-risk HPV.
However, it's important to know that some women may need more frequent screening if they have conditions such as:
Positive HIV or weak immune system. Have been exposed to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) while in the womb. Have a history of abnormal biopsy or screening results previously.However, for women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) not due to cancer, screening is usually no longer necessary.
What Happens During the Exam?This procedure is usually done during a pelvic exam and only takes a few minutes. You will be asked to lie down, then the doctor will use a tool called a speculum to open the vagina so that the cervix is visible.
Then a sample of cells will be taken using a fine brush or a small spatula, then sent to the laboratory. The results usually come out within 1 to 3 weeks.
Although cervical cancer screening saves lives, there are some things that need to be understood wisely. First, false positive results that sometimes look abnormal even though there is no cancer, which may trigger anxiety or unnecessary follow-up tests.
Then there is a false negative result, where the results look normal even though there are abnormal cells. That's why regular periodic examinations are very important to minimize this risk.
Don't delay the examination for your future. Schedule regular cervical cancer screening as a tangible step to protect reproductive health and detect risks as early as possible for more optimal medical treatment.