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Safeguarding against cervical cancer: Why HPV screening is essential

An expert shares more about how self-sampling tests conducted at home can alleviate anxiety and facilitate early detection. 

Safeguarding against cervical cancer: Why HPV screening is essential

Dr Cindy Pang, a consultant obstetrician and gynae-oncologist at SOG Health, believes that women can prioritise their well-being by actively participating in preventive measures. Photo: Dr Cindy Pang

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer affecting women worldwide. Caused by the persistent human papillomavirus virus (HPV), the condition results in 350,000 deaths yearly.

Encouragingly, HPV screenings and vaccinations have proven effective in reducing cervical cancer rates. HPV screenings, done alone or with a Pap smear, harness tests that detect HPV DNA in cell samples collected from the cervix.

In Singapore, women are recommended to have a Pap smear once every three years (for women aged 25 to 29) or an HPV test every five years (for women 30 years old and above). 

HPV testing is not used as a primary screening method for women under 30 as HPV infections in this age group tend to clear up spontaneously without causing long-term issues, explained Dr Cindy Pang, a consultant obstetrician and gynae-oncologist at SOG Health. However, she noted that women with certain risk factors, such as a history of abnormal Pap smears, HPV-related diseases or immunocompromised conditions, may require more frequent HPV screening. 

COMMON HPV-RELATED MISCONCEPTIONS

Numerous misunderstandings complicate the understanding of HPV infections. Photo: Shutterstock

Dr Pang shared that it is common for women to feel anxious or uncomfortable about pelvic examinations and discussing their sexual health. Additionally, some are misinformed, believing that HPV screening is only necessary for those currently sexually active, or that it is not needed for women who have received the HPV vaccine.

Dr Pang highlights that HPV is highly prevalent and can impact women regardless of whether they’ve had only one partner or have been sexually inactive for years. “Furthermore, while HPV vaccines offer protection against many high-risk HPV strains linked to most cervical cancers, they don’t guard against all HPV strains,” she said. 

Other misconceptions include the belief that HPV testing is only necessary if one is experiencing noticeable symptoms such as genital warts. 

“Wart-causing HPV strains do not lead to cervical cancer,” clarified Dr Pang. “High-risk HPV infections often present without symptoms, while precancer of the cervix is typically asymptomatic. That’s why regular HPV testing is essential for early detection and prevention.”

HOW SELF-SAMPLING TESTS AID EARLY DETECTION

The consequence of delayed HPV detection can be grave. The five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with cervical cancer at an early stage stands at 91 per cent, but drops to 60 per cent when the cancer is diagnosed after it has spread to nearby organs or tissues. 

Dr Pang notes that early detection of HPV enables timely implementation of preventive measures, such as monitoring for precancerous changes in the cervix.

Camtech Health's HPV test enables women to self-collect samples in the privacy of their own homes. Photo: Camtech Health

An effective solution that mitigates reluctance towards HPV testing is the use of self-sampling tests. Women can collect cervical cell samples at home using a device similar in shape to an antigen rapid test swab, inserting it about 6cm into the vagina. The user then sends the swab to a laboratory, with results usually returned in as little as five days.  

Dr Pang pointed out that self-sampling tests not only eliminate the need to coordinate clinic visits with menstrual cycles, but also minimises the anxiety associated with in-clinic screenings. “Self-collection empowers individuals to take control of their own health by actively participating in the screening process,” she said.  

Moreover, some self-sampling test kits offer extended genotype testing for HPV, going beyond the basic HPV test that solely detects the most common HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. 

These extended tests can identify 12 other high-risk HPV genotypes that contribute to about a quarter of cervical cancer cases. Dr Pang cites the example of HPV 31 that poses a greater risk for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia – abnormal cells on the cervix’s surface often linked to HPV infection – compared to HPV 18. “Extended genotyping provides a comprehensive assessment of one’s HPV status,” said Dr Pang. 

TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH

If precancerous abnormalities or early-stage cervical cancer are detected during screening, various interventions are available to prevent the disease from progressing. 

Follow-up steps may involve a closer examination of the cervix through a colposcopy, endocervical curettage (tissue scraping) or a biopsy to obtain tissue samples. Treatment options to eradicate abnormal cells include loop electrosurgical excision procedure, cryotherapy, laser therapy and the surgical removal of abnormal tissue. 

To mitigate the risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer, Dr Pang recommends getting vaccinated against HPV, going for regular HPV screening and quitting smoking, as the latter is linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer

“Seek prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or unusual discharge,” she said. “By actively participating in preventive measures, women can prioritise their well-being and advocate for their own health needs.” 

Find out more about the Camtech Health HPV self-sampling test
 

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