CANCER OF THE CERVIX
                          &
                 SMEAR TESTS FOR
                        WOMEN

Cancer is a widely prevalent disease and is second only to heart disease as a cause of death in developed societies.

In women cancer of the cervix is the second biggest killer of all cancer deaths, the first being cancer of the breast. It is the most common gynaecological cancer AND the most successfully treated. There have been many cases of cancer of the cervix in our community and many deaths have occurred. These could have been prevented if the cancer had been detected early. In a majority of the cases, complete cure is possible. Early detection is done by cervical smear screening tests.

Its peak incidence is between the ages of 30 and 34. In Britain alone, over 2,000 women die each year from this disease and account for 4% of all cancer deaths in women. In other countries where the screening procedure is not rigorous, these figures are much higher. In countries where the screening uptake is high, the death rates are falling.

It is therefore vital for all women to have smear tests so that cancer of the cervix is detected early enough to be treated successfully.

ADVICE TO WOMEN

This leaflet is about a simple test called a smear test, which can help you to avoid getting cancer of the cervix.

Your cervix is at the lower part of your womb or uterus and, because of this, is sometimes called the neck of the womb.

Like the rest of your body, your cervix is made up of cells which are like those on the inside of your cheek.

The cells of your cervix need to be checked for any changes which may take place in them. This is done by simple test called a smear test.

WHAT IS A SMEAR TEST?

It is an early warning test which shows if there are any changes in the cells of the cervix which might develop into cancer.

For most women the cells of the cervix remain healthy for life, but some women's cells do change, and the smear test will find changes which take place. Many of these changes in themselves are not serious but without treatment they may lead to cancer.

WHO NEEDS A TEST?

If you are a woman between the ages of 20 and 64 and you have had intercourse, it is vital that you have this simple health check every 3 to 5 years.

HOW DO I GET A SMEAR TEST?

Ask your family doctor to arrange it.

If you do not have a doctor you can still have a test, by asking your nearest doctor or family planning clinic. In most countries the smear test is free of charge and you can, if you wish, ask to have a female doctor or nurse to carry our the test.


WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I HAVE THE TEST?

When you go for the test you will be shown into a private room where you will be asked to undress from the waist down. You will be asked to get on a couch and the nurse or doctor will tell you the position to lie in. This will usually be on your back with your knees bent up and outwards, or it might be lying on your side with your knees together.

When you are ready, the nurse or doctor will use an instrument called a speculum. A few cells will be lightly scraped from the surface of the neck of the womb. The speculum will be removed and the test is over. You can then get dressed. The cells will be sent to a hospital, where they will be checked.

WILL IT HURT?

You may find this test uncomfortable but the test only lasts for 5-10 minutes. If you can relax you will find it more comfortable. Having a smear test will not harm you, and your body will naturally replace the few cells taken.


HOW WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

Before you leave ask the person who carried out your smear test how you can get your results. Your results should be ready in about 3 to 6 weeks. You may receive your results by letter, but if you do not hear within 6 weeks, telephone or call in at the surgery or clinic where you had your test, and ask for them.


WHAT MIGHT THE RESULTS OF MY TEST BE?

For most women the result of the test is normal, and you will need to go for another routine smear test in 3 to 5 years time.

Sometimes you may need another smear because the first test did not give a clear result.

If you have a mild infection, you may need a course of treatment, and then the test will be done again.

If your result shows there are slight changes in your cells, you will have these explained to you by a doctor where you had your smear taken.


WILL I NEED FURTHER TESTS?

If there are changes in your cells, you may need more frequent smears for a while, or you may need to go to a hospital as an outpatient for colposcopy. This further test looks at you cervix in more detail.

If you need to have treatment this may be done within a day or it may involve a short stay in hospital.

If treatment is done early enough it almost always leads to a complete cure and it should not affect your sex life or stop you having children.


IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I CAN DO?

• You can give up smoking, because smoking can increase the risk of cancer of the cervix.

• If you use a condom or diaphragm, this will give added protection.

• If you notice anything that is unusual for you, see a doctor about it. Things to watch out for are:

* bleeding between periods or after intercourse

* painful intercourse

* smelly or unusual discharge

REMEMBER

* pre-cancerous cells can develop in women at any time

* that's why going for your smear test every 3 to 5 years is important

But don't forget - most smear tests are normal.

Available free from MAB secretariat:-

Leaflet - Cervical Health for women - in English, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, Arabic & Bangali.

Leaflet - The Cervical Smear Test: Why you need it.

Leaflet - What Your abnormal results mean.

Leaflet - Prevention of Cervix cancer - in English, Urdu, Hindi, Bangali, Gujarati & Punjabi

Audio cassette - Cervical Health for women - in English, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, Arabic & Bangali.

If you have problems or comments concerning The Medical Advisory Board or if you require further information, please contact Dr Mohamed-Taki I Walji at: