Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is more common in younger women, with the highest incidence in the 30-34 age group, followed by the 35-39 age group, according to data from Cancer Research UK. Crucially, it is also one of the most preventable cancers, thanks in large part to two key factors: the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and regular screening.
“About 99% of cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV. That’s why HPV vaccination is such a crucial tool in reducing infections in the population, and it gives us a real chance to dramatically reduce cervical cancer in the future.
However, regular screening for cervical cancer remains absolutely necessary. It identifies high-risk HPV infections and catches precancerous changes early, often long before they have any chance of developing into cancer,” explains Dr Unsworth.
Despite its importance, statistics show that millions of women are unaware of their routine cervical cancer screening. For many, the barriers are fear, anxiety or embarrassment about the procedure itself.
Dr. Unsworth’s 5-point guide to a comfortable screening
Performing the cervical screening test only takes 2-3 minutes, although the entire appointment can take about 20 minutes. Dr. Unsworth shares her top practical tips for a more relaxing experience:
1. Talk to your doctor
“Don’t hesitate to share any concerns you may have. Talk to the doctor or nurse beforehand. They are there to reassure you, answer questions and make any adjustments. They can explain every step of the process, which often helps ease any anxiety,” says Dr Unsworth, adding: “If you are concerned about how you will cope with the test, you can also agree on a word or signal to use if you need to pause or stop at any time.”
2. Focus on your breathing
“If you feel nervous or tense during the procedure, simple breathing techniques can really help,” says Dr. Unsworth. “Focusing on slow, steady breaths can relax your body and make the test easier. You can also use other techniques to help you stay calm, whether that’s grounding exercises, visualizations, or just talking to the doctor. And remember, you can always ask the nurse or doctor to pause at any time so you can take a moment.”
3. Request a smaller speculum
For some women, especially those who suffer from menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, the speculum can be uncomfortable. “Using a smaller speculum can often make a big difference, says Doctor Unsworth. “Don’t hesitate to ask about this. You may also feel more comfortable inserting the speculum yourself, and you can absolutely ask if you prefer.”
“If vaginal dryness is a problem, using vaginal estrogen a few weeks beforehand can also help, although you should avoid this in the 48 hours before your test,” adds Unsworth.
4. Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief (If Needed)
If you think the procedure may be uncomfortable for you, Dr. Unsworth recommends taking paracetamol or ibuprofen about an hour beforehand. This can help alleviate any mild discomfort beforehand.
5. Adjust your body position
“Sometimes it can be difficult for the doctor to get a good view of the cervix, and that is an important part of the test. Everyone’s anatomy is a little different, and small adjustments can make a big difference. We may suggest tilting your pelvis slightly, which is not always easy on a flat exam couch. Simple techniques such as placing your hands under your buttocks can help adjust the angle, and for some women, lying on their side is more comfortable and gives a better view. Whatever the approach is, it may help to adjust the angle. Should always be a conversation with you so that you feel comfortable all the time,” explains Dr. Unsworth.
Why screening is non-negotiable
A cervical screening The test involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix to check for high-risk HPV. If high-risk HPV is detected, the sample is then checked for abnormal precancerous cells.
Routine recommendations
Although guidelines vary by region, cervical cancer screening is generally recommended every five years for everyone ages 25 to 64.
What happens next
A negative HPV result is excellent news, meaning you have a very low risk of developing cervical changes. If high-risk HPV is found, your sample will be checked for cell changes. Small changes can often return to normal, but more significant changes will lead to a referral to a colposcopy clinic for a more detailed examination. Most women referred for colposcopy do not have cancer.
Dr. Unsworth emphasizes: “The most important thing to remember is that cervical cancer screening is intended to identify changes for cancer develops, or to detect cancer at a very early stage, when treatment is usually very effective. Therefore, attending screening regularly is important as this gives us the best chance of detecting these changes early.
HPV vaccination also plays a vital role in reducing risks, so if you’re offered it, it’s definitely worth taking up. There are also recognized factors that can increase the risk of cervical cancer, such as smoking or having multiple sexual partners. These reflect what we know about how the virus spreads and how the body responds, and understanding them can help people make informed choices.
“With education, vaccination for those who receive it, and regular cervical cancer screening, we have powerful tools to significantly reduce cervical cancer for generations to come.”
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