Cervical Cancer Screening Flashcards
Explain to a patient when cervical cancer is done and why it is done?
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All women aged 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening, this is to check for any unusual cells in your cervix that could potentially develop into cancer. This is also called the smear test. The aim of screening is to pick up problems before they become symptomatic, if you have any unusually symptoms you should go and see your doctor urgently. You might not think cervical screening is for you but if you have a cervix you should attend screening. This is because it is can pick up abnormal cells or even cancer in its early stages, before it has started to cause any symptoms. The earlier any abnormal cells or cancer are picked up the better the outcomes are, with earlier treatment reducing the risk of early death due to cervical cancer.
What does the cervical smear test test for?
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It tests for abnormal cells, it is not a test for cervical cancer.
Who is invited for cervical cancer screening?
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Women aged 25 to 64
For women aged 25-49 testing is done every three years
For women aged 50-64 testing is done every 5 years
For women aged 65 or older testing is only continued if one of the last three tests was abnormal
How is cervical cancer screening done?
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You’ll be invited for cervical cancer screening.
You’ll need to undress from the waist down, this will include removing you underwear. A nurse will ask you to lie down on an examination couch. A speculum will then be inserted into your vagina which will allow the nurse to see your cervix which is at the back of your vagina. This might be slightly uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful.
When the cervix can be seen a small brush is rubbed against the cervix, this takes away some of the cells on your cervix which can then be looked using a microscope. Again, this may be a little uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful.
Why is cervical screening done?
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Cervical screening is done to check for unusual cells that could develop into cervical cancer. It is not a test for cancer itself.
This is done because the earlier these abnormal cells are picked up the earlier doctors can intervene. This is reduces your risk of developing cervical cancer, and this reduces risk of death from cervical cancer. It is therefore important that if you have a cervix you should attend for screening.
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to prevent yourself from getting cervical cancer. Ultimately it is your choice though, no one forces you to go to screening but it is advised.
What causes cervical cancer?
A virus called human papillomavirus or HPV can increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer. Young women are therefore vaccinated for HPV to protect them against this risk. However, there are hundreds of types of HPV and the vaccine helps to prevent certain types.
HPV can cause cervical cancer to develop. It is transmitted through sexual activity and causes abnormal cells to develop on the cervix. Cervical screening tests for these abnormal cells so that they can be treated or monitored before they can develop into cancer.
Where is most cervical screening done?
At GP surgeries by a female nurse or doctor. It might feel a little uncomfortable but the nurse or doctor will have done this 100s of times and it won’t be at all unusual for them.
If you’d like someone else in the room with you that is absolutely fine. This can be someone you know or another member of staff.
When should you book cervical screening?
When you’re not on your period or the two days before or after you bleed
After treatment has been finished for any vaginal discharge or infection.
What should you warn patients could happen after cervical screening?
There might be some light bleeding or spotting. See a doctor if there is heavy bleeding or it doesn’t stop after a few hours.
What happens if patients receive an abnormal result?
Abnormal results may mean that there are abnormal cell changes or HPV has been found.
If the cells are very unusual you’ll be invited to go for colposcopy, this is when a microscope is used to look at the cervix to see if there are any abnormalities. A speculum is used to open the vagina and the camera used to see the cervix closely. A small sample of your cervix, called a biopsy, may be taken for further testing.
If you test positive for HPV but there are no cell changes you’ll be invited back for another smear test sooner than normal, usually within 1 year. This is because HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop.
