Cervical Screening

Question 1

how does cervical screening work?

Answer 1

identifies cell changes which may develop to be pre-cancerous in women who otherwise have no symptoms

if left untreated, may develop into cervical cancer

Question 2

any woman with symptoms requires screening test - true or false?

Answer 2

false - requires diagnostic tests, not screening

Question 3

what are the symptoms associated with cervical cancer?

Answer 3

unusual vaginal discharge / bleeding
bleeding after sex / between periods
dyspareunia

Question 4

how often do women undergo cervical screening in UK?

Answer 4

25-49 = every 3 years
50-64 = every 5 years

Question 5

how is a cervical screen carried out?

Answer 5

speculum exam = visual examination of cervix
brush sample of the cells from the transformation zone of cervix
liquid based cytology (soon to be primary HPV testing)

Question 6

what difference will primary HPV testing (January 2020) make?

Answer 6

enable faster investigation of those at higher risk of cervical cancer and reassurance to those at low risk

can also reduce number of unnecessary screening and colposcopy appointments among women with borderline / low grade cervical screening cytology results

Question 7

in which ways could we increase screening coverage and uptake?

Answer 7

promotion of screening programme
material in variety of languages
GP incentives
local and national initiatives

Question 8

which type of HPV are in the vaccine and when is this given?

Answer 8

16 and 18
since 2012 - also 6/11 (genital warts)

girls S1 to S3 and MSM 45
boys in S1

Question 9

HPV vaccine does not protect against what % of cervical cancers?

Answer 9

30%

Question 10

what is the WHO definition of female genital mutilation?

Answer 10

all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons

*recognised internationally as violation of human rights

Question 11

what is the impact of obesity in O&G?

Answer 11

increased subfecundity 
increased infertility 
decreased effectiveness of IVF 
increased risk of miscarriage 
increased risk of pregnancy complications

Question 12

what dose of folic acid should be taken to prevent neural tube defects?

Answer 12

400 micrograms every day before pre-conception, until 12 weeks

*also eat foods that contain folate such as green leafy vegetables