Gynaecological cancer screening
All women are at risk of gynaecological cancer, and the chances increase with age. Though the chances of cancer may be small, the cost and impact of cancer warrants us to actively look out and protect against it. This can be done via screenings and tests for cancer at your regular women wellness checks. Should any abnormalities be found, further testing can be done to confirm the diagnosis and assist in early intervention for cancer.
Common Questions
Cervical cancer
Screening tests:
- HPV test
Pap smear
Who should go for screening?
All women between 21 – 65 should go for screening at least once every 3 years, especially for those:
- Exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Sexually active before 18
- Having many sexual partners
- Smoking
- Having a weakened immune system
Having 3 or more full-term pregnancies
Besides screening, women can consider taking the HPV vaccine to prevent the development of cervical cancer all together
Ovarian cancer
Currently, there are no effective means of screening ovarian cancer.
However, you may consider these tests to detect ovarian cancer should you have any concerns:
- Transvaginal ultrasound scan
Blood tests for ovarian tumour markers (eg. CA-125 blood test)
Who should go for testing?
Ovarian cancer generally does not present with any symptoms in its early stages and often women are only aware of symptoms when the disease is advanced.
Regular women’s wellness checks may help detect ovarian cysts or growths
Risk factors for ovarian cancer are:
- Obesity
- Have family or personal history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer
- Are of older age (ovarian cancer is most common in 50-70 age group)
- Have never been pregnant
- Had early onset of menstruation
- Had late onset of menopause
- Are undergoing postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
- Have endometriosis
Endometrial cancer
Currently, there are no effective means of screening endometrial cancer.
Red flag symptoms that should prompt you to seek professional healthcare advice would be:
- Heavy, prolonged periods
Intermenstrual bleeding
However, you may consider these tests to detect endometrial cancer should you be concerned:
- Ultrasound
- Endometrial biopsy
Hysteroscopy with D&C
Who should go for testing?
Test for endometrial cancer if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding unrelated to your regular periods, especially if you:
- Are obese
- Have high blood pressure
- Are of older age
- Having never been pregnant
- Had early onset of menstruation
- Had late onset of menopause
- Are undergoing hormone therapy for breast cancer
