Cervical cancer screening

Many women with cervical cancer have no symptoms at all. While some women may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, this can also be caused by other health problems. It is therefore essential to consult a doctor as soon as abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs.

The risk factors for cervical cancer :

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Co-infection with other STDs/STIs
• Multiple sexual partners
• Sexual partner with multiple sexual partners
• Sexual activity from a young age
• Tobacco consumption
• Multiple births
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives

Learn more : Cervical cancer: Symptoms and treatment

The HPV test uses molecular technology to detect DNA of the human papillomavirus (HPV), including the main “high-risk” types such as 16 and 18, which are most likely to cause cervical cancer.

This test detects the presence of the virus and the types most likely to cause cancer, but does not detect the presence of abnormal cells. It is used for screening purposes, to detect more cases at risk

The Papanicolaou, or Pap, test, also referred to as liquid-based cytology, analyses a sample under a microscope to detect any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. Since this test detects suspicious cells, it is a good complement to the HPV test.

Cancer of the cervix occurs in the narrow area connecting the uterus to the vagina. Cancer may be suspected when abnormal cells in the mucous membrane of the cervix grow uncontrollably and eventually form a lesion.

Learn more : Cervical cancer: Symptoms and treatment