In recognition of the importance of Cervical Cancer Prevention Month this January, INTIMINA understands that there is never enough encouragement and accessible education about preventive care. For many women, anxiety about cervical screening (tests or pap smears) can be a significant barrier.
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 figures from Cancer Research UK. Importantly, it is also one of the most preventable cancers, largely thanks to two key factors: the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and regular screening.
“Ultra 99% of cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains. This is why HPV vaccination is such a critical tool to reduce infection across the population and gives us a real chance to dramatically reduce cervical cancer in the future.
However, regular cervical screening remains absolutely necessary. It detects high-risk HPV infections and detects precancerous changes early, often long before they have a chance to develop into cancer,” explains Dr. Unsworth.
Despite its importance, statistics show that millions of women are not up to date with routine cervical screening. For many, the barriers are fear, anxiety or embarrassment about the process itself.
Dr. 5 Point Guide Unsworth for a comfortable examination
Cervical screening only takes 2-3 minutes to perform, although the full appointment can take around 20 minutes. Dr Unsworth shares her top practical tips for a more relaxed experience:
1. Talk to your clinician
“Don’t hesitate to share any concerns. Talk to the doctor or nurse beforehand. They’re there to reassure you, answer questions and make any adjustments you need. They can explain every step of the process, which often helps relieve anxiety,” says Dr Unsworth, adding: “If you’re worried about how to use it or cope with the word. stop or stop at any point.”
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 any other techniques you know to help you stay calm, whether it’s grounding exercises, visualization, or just talking to the clinician. And remember, you can always ask the nurse or doctor to stop at any time to take a moment.”
3. Ask for a smaller Speculum
For some women, especially those experiencing menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, the speculum can be uncomfortable. “Using a smaller speculum can often make a big difference, says Dr Unsworth. “Feel free to ask about it. You may also feel more comfortable inserting the speculum yourself, and you can certainly request it if you prefer.”
“If vaginal dryness is a problem, using vaginal estrogen for a few weeks beforehand can also help, although you should avoid using it in the 48 hours before the test,” adds Unsworth.
4. Consider over-the-counter pain relief (if needed)
If you think the procedure might be uncomfortable for you, Dr Unsworth suggests 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 clinician to get a clear view of the cervix, and this is an important part of the examination. 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 arms at your side, can help women adjust your arms even more comfortable and offers a better view, whatever the approach, it should always be a conversation with you, making sure you feel comfortable throughout,” explains Dr Unsworth.
Because screening is non-negotiable
A cervical screening The test involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix to test for high-risk HPV. If high-risk HPV is detected, the sample is then checked for any abnormal precancerous cells.
Routine recommendations
While guidelines vary by region, in general, cervical screening is recommended every five years for everyone ages 25 to 64.
What will happen next?
A negative HPV result is extremely good news, meaning you are at very low risk of developing cervical changes. If high-risk HPV is found, your sample is checked for cellular changes. Small changes can often return to normal, but more significant changes will prompt a referral to a colposcopy clinic for more detailed examination. Most women referred for colposcopy do not have cancer.
Dr Unsworth emphasizes: “The key thing to remember is that cervical screening is designed to identify changes before cancer is developing or to detect cancer at a very early stage when treatment is usually highly effective. This is why regular screening is important, as it gives us the best chance of detecting these changes early.
The HPV vaccination also plays an important role in reducing risk, so if it’s offered to you, it’s worth taking. 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 are offered it, and regular cervical screening, we have powerful tools to significantly reduce cervical cancer for generations to come.”
