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Recognizing the significance of Cervical Cancer Prevention Month this January, INTIMINA understands that there is never enough encouragement and accessible education regarding preventative care. For many women, anxiety about cervical screening (smear tests or Pap smears) can be a significant barrier.
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is more common in younger women, with the highest incidence in the age group 30-34, followed by 35-39 age group, according to Cancer research UK data. Crucially, it is also one of the most preventable cancers, largely thanks to two major factors: the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and regular screening.
“Over 99% of cervical cancers are caused by a persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV. That’s why HPV vaccination is such a critical tool in reducing infection across the population, and gives us a real opportunity to reduce cervical cancer dramatically in the future.
However, regular cervical screening remains absolutely essential. It identifies high-risk HPV infections and picks up precancerous changes early, often long before they have any chance to develop into cancer,” explains Dr Unsworth.
Despite its importance, statistics show that millions of women are not up-to-date with their routine cervical screening. For many, the barriers are fear, anxiety, or embarrassment about the procedure itself.
Dr. Unsworth’s 5-Point Guide To a Comfortable Screening
The cervical screening test takes only 2-3 minutes to perform, though the full appointment may last around 20 minutes. Dr Unsworth shares her top practical tips for a more relaxed experience:
1. Talk to Your Clinician
“Don’t hesitate to share any concerns. Talk to the doctor or nurse beforehand. They are there to reassure you, answer questions, and make any adjustments you need. They can explain each step of the process, which often helps ease anxiety,” says Dr Unsworth and adds: “If you’re worried about how you’ll cope during the test, you can also agree on a word or signal to use if you need to pause or stop at any point.”
2. Focus on Your Breathing
“If you’re feeling nervous or tense during the procedure, simple breathing techniques can really help,” says Dr Unsworth. “Focusing on slow, steady breaths can relax your body and make the test feel easier. You can also use any other techniques you know help you stay calm, whether that’s grounding exercises, visualisation, or simply chatting to the clinician. And remember, you can always ask the nurse or doctor to pause at any point so you can take a moment.”
3. Request a Smaller Speculum
For some women, especially those experiencing menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness, the speculum can be uncomfortable. “Using a smaller speculum can often make a big difference, says Dr Unsworth. “Don’t hesitate to ask about this. You may also feel more comfortable inserting the speculum yourself, and you can absolutely ask to do this if you prefer.”
“If vaginal dryness is an issue, using vaginal oestrogen for a few weeks beforehand can also help, though you should avoid applying it in the 48 hours before your test”, adds Unsworth.
4. Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief (If Needed)
If you think the procedure might be uncomfortable for you, Dr Unsworth suggests taking paracetamol or ibuprofen about an hour beforehand. This can help ease any mild discomfort in advance.
5. Adjust Your Body Position
“Sometimes it can be tricky for the clinician to get a clear view of the cervix, and that’s an important part of the test. Everyone’s anatomy is a little different, and small adjustments can make a big difference. We may suggest tilting your pelvis slightly, which isn’t always easy on a flat examination couch. Simple techniques like placing your hands under your bottom can help adjust the angle, and for some women, lying on their side is both more comfortable and gives a better view. Whatever the approach, it should always be a conversation with you, making sure you feel comfortable throughout,” explains Dr Unsworth.
Why Screening Is Non-Negotiable
A cervical screening test involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix to check for high-risk HPV. If high-risk HPV is detected, the sample is then checked for any abnormal precancerous cells.
Routine Recommendations
While guidelines vary regionally, in general, cervical screening is recommended every five years for everyone aged 25 to 64.
What Happens Next
A negative HPV result is excellent news, meaning you are at very low risk of developing cervical changes. If high-risk HPV is found, your sample is checked for cell changes. Minor changes can often return to normal, but more significant changes will lead to a referral to a colposcopy clinic for a more detailed examination. Most women referred to colposcopy do not have cancer.
Dr Unsworth emphasises: “The key thing to remember is that cervical screening is designed to identify changes before cancer develops, or to detect cancer at a very early stage when treatment is usually highly effective. That is why regularly attending screening is important, as it gives us the best chance of detecting these changes early.
HPV vaccination also plays an essential part in reducing risk, so if you’re offered it, it is well worth taking up. There are also recognised factors that can increase the risk of cervical cancer, such as smoking or having multiple sexual partners. These reflect what we know about how the virus spreads and how the body responds, and understanding them can help people make informed choices.
With education, vaccination for those who are offered it, and regular cervical screening, we have powerful tools to reduce cervical cancer for future generations significantly.”
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INTIMINA
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