5 facts about cervical cancer screening you probably did not know

Australia is on track to become the world’s first country to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by around 2035. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

• Early cervical cancer often has no symptoms; screening is vital for detection.
• HPV infection is the main cause; vaccination and screening lower risk.
• Australia may eliminate cervical cancer by 2035 due to high screening rates.

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If you ever notice unusual bleeding after intimacy and faint discomfort in your lower back, do not dismiss it. Cervical cancer is a malignancy of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina, and it is almost always caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Many women experience no symptoms at all. Later, troubling signs may include post-menopausal bleeding, inter-menstrual bleeding, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during sex, signals too late for many. As per the World Health Organization (WHO) Early detection through screening Is therefore vital.

As per Cancer Council, Australia is on track to become the world’s first country to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by around 2035, driven by high HPV vaccination and screening coverage.

Sweden, Ireland and Mongolia have also announced national elimination plans aligned with the WHO’s targets.

In developing nations, a lack of screening and insufficient awareness means many women are diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment options are more limited and survival chances lower. In India alone, tens of thousands of new cases emerge each year, with mortality figures rising in regions lacking robust screening programmes.

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Multiple studies show that early detection reduces cervical cancer mortality. The WHO reveals that in populations with systematic screening, deaths have fallen by as much as 80% or more. Effective screening catches pre-cancerous changes long before invasive disease develops, a period that can span years.

Additionally, research also confirms that a combined strategy, testing for high-risk HPV strains alongside cytology (Pap smear), is more sensitive than cytology alone, improving detection of subtle cellular changes at earlier stages.

Here are 5 essential facts about screening that you need to know

It can prevent cancer, not just detect it: By identifying pre-cancerous changes, screening allows treatment before cancer ever develops. As per WHO this is prevention at its most effective.

Multiple screening tools exist

From the classic Pap smear to HPV DNA testing and visual inspection methods, different tests fit different settings, from urban hospitals to rural clinics.

HPV testing is powerful

HPV tests look for the virus strains most likely to cause cancer, especially HPV 16 and 18, and can detect risk before cells turn malignant.

Symptoms often appear late

Because early cervical cancer rarely causes pain or noticeable changes.

The WHO reveals that waiting for symptoms to act often means missing the window for the most effective interventions.

Screening saves lives across income levels

Screening is essential. Even in low- resource settings, simple visual inspection, along with referrals, can reduce deaths.

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FAQs on cervical cancer:

Q1. What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Q2. What causes cervical cancer?

Most cases are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection.

Q3. Who is at risk of developing cervical cancer?

Women with long-term HPV infection, weakened immunity, early sexual activity, multiple partners, smoking or poor access to screening are at higher risk.

Q4. What are the early symptoms of cervical cancer?

Early stages may have no symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse and unusual vaginal discharge.

Q5. How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

It is detected through screening tests like Pap smear, HPV testing and confirmed by biopsy.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.