New Cervical Screening Program to Replace Pap Smears

The Cancer Council Queensland has announced a new cervical screening program that will replace the two-yearly pap test. This new program is effective from December 1, 2017.

According to this new program, women aged between 25 and 74 are eligible for screening program every five years. This program is believed to be more effective than a Pap test and just as safe.

Pap smear and Cervical Cancer Screening
Pap smear is the most common test used in screening cervical cancer caused by an infection with human papilloma virus. Pap smear should be repeated every 1 to 3 years till the age of 65 years.

‘The Cancer Council Queensland research shows the renewed program will reduce cervical cancer rates by 20 percent or more.’

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This screening program involves screening of the cervix for human papilloma virus (HPV).

Women who are eligible for screening will receive an invitation to to do screening two years after their last pap test. For women who just turned 25, they will receive this invitation around their 25th birthday.

This new screening program will not exclude women who have been vaccinated against the cancer causing virus, human papilloma virus (HPV).

Cervical Cancer - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications & Prevention
Cancer cervix refers to cancerous growth in the cervix and usually occurs in the transition called squamo-columnar junction.

Cervical screening for cancer enables early detection of any abnormalities in cell and enables on-time treatment. About 75 percent of cancers are preventable through early detection and treatment.

Early detection remains the best possible protection against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in developing countries. Highest incidence rates are found in Africa and Latin America.

Human Papillomavirus Infection - Risk Factors, Symptoms, Screening, Treatment & Prevention
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, depending on the human papillomavirus that causes it, can result in common warts or can cause cervical cancer.

About 500, 000 new cases of cervical cancer and 250, 000 cervical cancer-related deaths are recorded every year.

It has been calculated that, in the world, a woman dies of cervical cancer every two minute.

What Women Should Know About Gynecologic Cancer
Cancers arising from the organs of the female reproductive tract (uterine, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancers) are termed gynecologic cancers.

Reference:

Cancer of The Cervix: The Neglected STI - (https://dailytrust.com.ng/cancer-of-the-cervix-the-neglected-sti.html)

Source-Eurekalert