Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. It is caused by abnormal growth of cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Without proper treatment, cervical cancer can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.

The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable with regular screening and early detection. There are several exams and tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or detect it early on when it’s most treatable.

Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women start getting regular cervical cancer screenings at age 21. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap smear every three years.

Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have a Pap smear combined with an HPV test every five years. Women over age 65 who have had regular screenings in the past and no abnormalities can stop getting screened for cervical cancer.

Pap Smear

A Pap smear is a simple, quick, and painless test that can detect abnormal cells in the cervix that may lead to cancer. During the test, a healthcare provider will gently insert a speculum into the vagina to hold open the walls of the vagina.

They will then use a small brush to collect cells from the cervix, which are sent to a lab for analysis. Results are usually available within a few days. If abnormal cells are found, further tests may be necessary.

HPV Test

An HPV test is similar to a Pap smear, but it checks for the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer. An HPV test can be done at the same time as a Pap smear.

If both tests are normal, women can wait five years before getting screened again.

Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA)

Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) is a low-cost, simple, and quick test that can be done in remote areas where laboratory facilities may not be available.

During the test, a healthcare provider applies a solution of acetic acid to the cervix, which makes abnormal cells turn white. The provider can then see any abnormal areas that may require further testing or treatment.

Colposcopy

If abnormal cells are found during a Pap smear or an HPV test, a colposcopy may be necessary. A colposcopy is a procedure that uses a special instrument called a colposcope to examine the cervix more closely.

The healthcare provider may take a biopsy, a small piece of tissue, from the cervix for further testing. Many women experience cramping or mild discomfort during a colposcopy, but the procedure is usually not painful.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Strategies

Aside from regular screening, there are several things women can do to reduce their risk of cervical cancer:.

Get vaccinated against HPV. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls starting at age 11 or 12.
Practice safe sex. Using a condom every time you have sex can reduce your risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Quit smoking. Smokers are more likely to develop cervical cancer than non-smokers.
Eat a healthy diet. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent cervical cancer and other types of cancer.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease, but it is also preventable and treatable with regular screening and early detection.

Women should talk to their healthcare providers about which cervical cancer prevention exams are right for them based on their age, medical history, and other factors.