The Change It Is A – Coming
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. It is more common in developing countries where there is less access to HPV vaccine and to screening with Pap smears. Most forms of cervical cancer are caused to the human papilloma virus (HPV). In recent years, the vaccine for HPV is available to girls in grade seven through the universal public health program. Women who are older and missed this opportunity can still be vaccinated by receiving a prescription for the vaccine from their health care providers. The vaccine promises to greatly decrease future rates of cervical cancer.
A Pap smear is a procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer.
The Pap smear is recommended to start at the age of 25 and be done every three years until the age of 70. Although it is uncomfortable, the Pap smear should not be painful. Many women having a Pap smear are relieved to have three years of peace of mind once it is done and normal. If there are cell changes found, they can be treated, and the risk of developing future cervical cancer is reduced.
For some time, there has been discussion regarding the use of HPV testing to replace Pap smears. If we know who is at risk, they might be able to have more frequent testing, and those who do not carry the virus might be able to have less frequent Pap smears. Finally, the change it is a – coming (with apologies to Bob Dylan).
Watch this space! In the next two months, the province of Ontario will launch HPV testing and we will be changing the way we will screen for cervical cancer. This will hopefully give us a more targeted approach to further decreasing the risk. Next month I will discuss how this will look and what you can expect when you visit your health care provider!
Dr. Bhooma Bhayana is a family physician in London and the mother of two young men and proud grandmother of three! She continues to find wonder and enjoyment in family practice despite more than 30 years on the job!
