The cervix is part of the female reproductive system found at the lower end of uterus, connecting to the vagina. Two types of cells cover the cervix. Squamous cells covering the outer area whilst glandular cells are found in the cervical canal. Cervical cancer is the malignant growth of either of these cell types. If the cancer develops from the squamous cell it is called a Squamous Cell Carcinoma, those originating from the glandular cells are called Adenocarcinomas. Most (80%) cervical cancers develop from the squamous cell type but either can spread to other parts of the body and left untreated have fatal consequences. It is estimated that in NSW approximately 200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.
Although the causes of cervical cancer are largely unknown, smoking and infection with Human papillomavirus (HPV) increase its risk.
Pap smears are the best preventative screen for cervical cancer. Any woman over 18 years of age who has had sex should have a Pap smear every 2 years, even if they are no longer having sex.
Human papillomavirus is a group of viruses that cause warts and can infect any part of the human body. There are over 100 different types and common sites of infection include the skin, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, in or around the anus. Around 40 different types infect the genital tract. HPV is spread by direct contact most often during vaginal or anal sex. In Australia genital HPV infection is so common that 4 in 5 people who have ever had sexual contact will have had HPV infection at some time in their lives. Most genital infections with HPV do not cause any symptoms and people do not know they have the infection.
HPV infection is usually not troublesome and the body's immune system clears the infection in 1-2 years. However, HPV can cause a change in the cells of the cervix that can result in development of cervical cancer. Indeed HPV is found in almost all cases of cervical cancer but it is important to remember that most women who have HPV clear the virus naturally and do NOT go on to develop cervical cancer.
Yes and it is called Gardasil™. This vaccine is given as a series of three injections into upper arm muscle within a 6 month period and is most effective when all three doses have been given. The vaccine prevents infection with four HPV types. Two types cause 7 out of 10 cervical cancers. The other two types cause 9 out of 10 cases of genital warts. The HPV vaccine cannot protect females against cervical cancer and genital warts caused by other HPV types that are not in the vaccine.
If you have had sexual contact then you may have been infected with some of these HPV types. If you have already been infected with any of these four HPV types, then your protection against cervical cancer and / or genital warts after vaccination may be reduced.
Vaccination with Gardasil™ is free to girls aged between 12 and 13 years through the National HPV Vaccination Program on an ongoing basis. Eligibility is from the age of the first year of secondary school in your State or Territory. It may be 12 or 13 years old. Contact your State or Territory Health Department for details.
Information on HPV infection and HPV vaccine is available on the Immunise Australia Program website at www.immunise.health.gov.au.
Information about Pap smears is available on the Cancer Screening website at www.cancerscreening.gov.au.
State and territory contact information:
A Pap smear is quick and simple test in which a number of cells are collected from your cervix and sent to laboratory where they are tested for changes. This procedure is performed by your Holdsworth House doctor and although may feel slightly uncomfortable does not require any medications or anaesthetics.
Any woman over 18 years of age who has had sex should have a Pap smear every 2 years, even if they are no longer having sex. At this frequency it is estimated that approximately 90% of the most common type of cervical cancers can be prevented. Your Holdsworth House doctor may recommend a more frequent Pap smear schedule, particularly if your previous pap smear(s) or pelvic examination returned abnormal results.
Pap smears are the best preventative screening method available for the early detection of cervical cancer and are still recommended for those who have had the Gardasil™ vaccine. This is because the vaccine doesn't protect against all the HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.
For more information about Pap smears and cervical screening see the National Cervical Screening Program website at www.cancerscreening.gov.au
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