Cervical Cancer + Screening

Question 1

What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?

Answer 1

HPV
COCP
Smoking
High parity

Question 2

Outline the NHS cervical cancer screening programme

Answer 2

25-49 every 3 years
50-64 every 5 years
65+ if previously abnormality detected

Question 3

Which strains of HPV are vaccinated against?

Answer 3

6, 11, 16 and 18

Question 4

Which strains of HPV are most associated with cervical cancer?

Answer 4

16 and 18

Question 5

What are the possible outcomes and their actions in the cervical screenig programme?

Answer 5

HPV negative - return to routine screening

HPV positive
With no abnormal cells - recall in 12 months
With abnormal cells - refer to Colposcopy

HPV positive, and then next year negative -> return to routine recall

HPV positive, and then next year still positive, recall in 12 months, and if positive again (3rd smear, 24 months), then refer to colposcopy

Question 6

What action is needed following 2 inadequate smears?

Answer 6

Refer to Colposcopy