Cervical cancer affects more than 120,000 Indian women and nearly 77000 women die of the disease each year[1]. Since cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, no woman should die of the disease. In fact, almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact. There are around 150 types of HPVs. However, there are 14 types of HPVs that are known to cause cervical cancer in women[2]. HPV 16 and HPV 18 are the highest risk types and account for 70% of most cervical cancer cases. Most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, but persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women. Effective primary (HPV vaccination) and secondary prevention approaches (screening for, and treating precancerous lesions) will prevent most cervical cancer cases.
Screening for HPV is an important preventive tool. For cervical cancer, there are primarily two types of screening tests that healthcare providers use today, the Pap test and/or the HPV test.
HPV test: An HPV test which is a WHO recommended test detects the DNA of high-risk HPV at infection levels that have been demonstrated to cause high grade cervical disease or precancer. The sample needed for an HPV test is taken from the cervix by a healthcare provider the same way as a Pap test–which means you won't have to do anything different during your[3] to receive greater reassurance of your health. The sample is then sent to a lab to be tested for high-risk HPV on an automated instrument using molecular technology. Women's wellness exam 3PV tests give an early, accurate look at your cervical cancer risk.
Pap test: The Pap test has been in use for around 80 years; it looks for abnormal cells growing on the cervix that can be early signs of cancer. A healthcare provider collects cell samples from your cervix and sends the sample to a laboratory for examination under a microscope by a trained professional. However, a normal Pap result does not always mean cancer free: up to one-third of cervical cancers occurred in women with a normal Pap.[4][5]
You and your healthcare provider can discuss which cervical cancer screening test is right for you.
References
- https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/356-india-fact-sheets.pdf.
- https://www.cervicalcancer-risk.com/global/en/cervical-cancer-vaccine-screen-treat.html.
- https://www.cervicalcancer-risk.com/content/dam/diagnostics_microsites/cervical-cancer-risk/master-blueprint/en/pdf/Womens-Wellness-Guide-from-Roche.pdf
- Andrae B, Kemetli L, Sparén P, Silfverdal L, Strander B, Ryd W, et al. Screening-Preventable Cervical Cancer Risks: Evidence From a Nationwide Audit in Sweden. Jnci J National Cancer Inst. 2008;100(9):622–9.
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Final Recommendation Statement, Cervical Cancer: Screening. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)-and-cervical-cancer (accessed 21 May 2020).