Cervical Cancer Screening & Vaccine Singapore

Cervical cancer is a critical health consideration for women. Taking proactive steps through screening and vaccination can give you the peace of mind you need. You can take the first step by going for cervical cancer screening in Singapore. Here’s all you need to know.​

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What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer happens when abnormal cervical cells grow uncontrollably. The most common trigger of cervical cancer is persistent infection with a high-risk form of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Left undetected or untreated, cervical cancer can spread to other parts of the body, but the good news is that it’s one of the most preventable cancers when caught early through regular screening and HPV vaccination.​

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Do I need cervical cancer screening?

If you are a woman aged 25 and above, you should sign up for regular cervical cancer screening, even if you feel perfectly healthy. Screening is especially important if:

 

• You are sexually active or have been in the past.

• You have a family history of cervical cancer.

• You are over the age of 30 and have not yet been screened.

Screening helps identify abnormal cell changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer, allowing early treatment and better outcomes.

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Why do I need cervical cancer screening?

Cervical cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Early detection through screening can identify precancerous changes or early-stage cancer, which is when treatment is most effective. That is why we recommend regular screening as a protective measure so you can have peace of mind.

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Myths & Misconceptions

There are many myths swirling around cervical cancer screening. Let’s address a few:

 

• Myth: Only women with symptoms need screening.

  • Fact: Cervical cancer can be asymptomatic in its early stages. Regular screening is essential for all women when they are eligible.

• Myth: I don’t need screening if I’ve been vaccinated for HPV.

  • Fact: The HPV vaccine protects from future infection against some cancer-causing strains of the virus. This is up to 90% protection from cervical cancer. Cervical screening protects from current cancer-causing HPV strains that you may have been exposed to already and those that the HPV vaccine does not cover. This is why screening is still necessary for comprehensive prevention, even if you have completed your HPV vaccine. 

• Myth: Screening is painful.

  • Fact: While some women may feel discomfort, the procedure is generally quick and tolerable. There is now the option of a HPV self-sampling that is much more well tolerated compared to the physician sampling method.

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How is cervical cancer screening done?

The two most common methods for cervical cancer screening in Singapore are:

 

1. Pap Smear (Papanicolaou Test): This test collects cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities. It’s a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes.

2. HPV Test: This test detects high-risk HPV infections that could lead to cervical cancer. It’s often done alongside a Pap smear.

 

Both tests are non-invasive and performed during a pelvic exam.

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How Do I Prepare for a Cervical Cancer Screening?

Being well-prepared makes the experience smoother and more effective. To ensure accurate results:

• Schedule the test when you’re not menstruating.

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The Cervical Cancer Screening Process at Athena

At Athena Women’s Specialist, we make the screening process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

 

1. Scheduling Your Appointment: Call our clinic or book online. Our friendly staff will help arrange a convenient time for your visit.

2. The Day of the Screening: Our specialists will explain the procedure and address any concerns when you arrive. If you need a Pap smear, this will be done by the specialist. This will involve a pelvic examination using a small device called a speculum to allow the specialist to visualise your cervix which sits at the top of your vagina. The specialist will then gently brush the cervix using a soft brush to collect some cells. The entire process takes just a few minutes.
   A HPV test is done the same way as the pap smear above.  

• HPV Self-sampling option
  We understand that some people might prefer a more private option. So we also offer a self-sampling test for HPV screening:

  1. Collect your self-sampling kit from our clinic.

  2. Complete the self-test in the clinic or at home.

  3. Understanding Your Results: Results are usually available within a week. If abnormal cells are found, our team will give you instructions on the next steps, which may see further testing or treatment.