In Hong Kong, cervical cancer is the seventh most common cancer among females and accounts for roughly 3.2% of all new cancer cases for women in 2020, showing a decrease in cases compared to 3.3% since 2016 [1]. Besides practising safer sex and getting the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccination, attending regular cervical screenings is the best option for lowering your risk of developing cervical cancer [2].
Although many women already schedule regular Pap smears, colposcopy is another form of screening you should be aware of. To fully educate our patients about the benefits of cervical screenings, our blog walks you through everything you need to know about cervical screenings, particularly colposcopy.
Regular screenings are vital in protecting yourself from any cancer [3]. Detecting an abnormal cell change early on can mean better monitoring and access to effective treatment. This minimises the chances of the problematic cells to turn cancerous, such as cervical cancer. Regular screenings are significant for cervical cancer, as symptoms are less apparent early on. Symptoms may not be present until cancer has advanced [4].
The Hong Kong Department of Health’s Cervical Screening Programme (CSP) [5] recommends that women aged between 25 and 64 undergo a screening every three years.
'At a minimum, sexually active women should start having smears done from 25 years old onwards'
OT&P Obstetrician Dr Zara Chan
You should also get regular cervical screenings if you’re:
It is essential to spread awareness that while the HPV vaccination is beneficial and protects against nine HPV types, current vaccines cannot offer full protection. Screening is still the most important method of cervical cancer prevention.
If you’re unsure whether or not you should receive a cervical screening, you should seek advice from your doctor.
Cervical screening performed regularly without any previously detected abnormalities usually includes a simple cervical smear (also known as a Pap smear). Pap smear is a simple test to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix and only takes a few minutes. The cells are wiped from the cervix gently by a doctor or nurse with an instrument called speculum inserted into the vagina.
Since 2004, the HK CSP has recorded 92.9% of smear results as negative for ‘intraepithelial lesions’ or ‘malignancy’ while 6.3% of results were abnormal. Your doctor may refer you for a colposcopy because of abnormal smear results, genital warts, persistent vulval or vaginal discomfort, or if they repeatedly fail to obtain an adequate smear sample from the cervix so that they can further diagnose any problems.
A colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure where the cervix (opening of the womb), vagina and vulva are examined in detail with special solutions and a microscope. This view is greatly enlarged and allows the doctor to examine the cervix in detail.
A colposcopy will be able to inform the doctor (and you) whether the abnormal smear result is due to HPV infection, or cellular abnormality such as CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) [10].
A colposcopy is a lot like getting a Pap smear, the main difference being the tools used to perform the examination [11]. A Pap smear involves your doctor collecting cells from your cervix using a brush or spatula, but in a colposcopy, your doctor will use a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope. Both screenings usually take around 10–15 minutes to perform.
An experienced doctor performs the colposcopy and is a day procedure. In some cases, it can be done by a family doctor who is familiar with gynaecological check-ups.
Once the magnifying instrument, or colposcope, provides a clear view of your cervix, your doctor will look through the lens to identify any abnormalities. They may apply a special solution to the area, as it helps to highlight any suspicious cells. The solution can sometimes be slightly uncomfortable and cause a burning or tingling sensation.
If suspicious cells are identified, your doctor will want to take a tissue sample (a ‘biopsy’) to send for further examination at a laboratory to confirm what they see. If your doctor does not identify any suspicious cells, the results of your colposcopy can usually be relayed to you during your appointment. If you’ve had a biopsy, your doctor will let you know when your results can be expected.
After your colposcopy, you can usually return home immediately and resume your normal activities, but some women prefer to rest until the next day. If you’ve had a biopsy, you may have temporary vaginal discharge or light bleeding [12]. This will be normal and should stop within a few days. You should also wait until the bleeding stops before having sex, using a tampon or any lubricants and creams. Speak to your doctor if you’re in doubt.
Your practitioner will educate the patient about the steps they suggest before a colposcopy on a case-to-case basis. Other recommendations usually include stopping the application of vaginal medicines or creams for 24 to 48 hours before a procedure. Moreover, it is often advised to pause vaginal sexual activity and use tampons for one or two days before the procedure. It is best not to insert any products in the vagina during this period.
Colposcopy can be performed at any stage of the menstrual cycle, but your doctor may ask you about the time of your last period before the checkup to schedule an optimal time. If you experience heavy bleeding on the day, you can call your healthcare provider and request rescheduling. Moreover, you should let your doctor know if you’re pregnant or might be pregnant. In the case of cervical biopsy, you should feel free to discuss a recommended pain management method before your appointment.
For some women, the smear and colposcopy results may show a more severe abnormality, and your doctor may want to perform a LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure).
A LEEP is a type of treatment that prevents cervical cancer by removing abnormal cells from your cervix. It involves using a small electrical wire loop to remove the cells and is usually done in a hospital to reduce the risk of infection.
You may feel discomfort during your LEEP; however, most women don’t feel much as your doctor will apply numbing medicine to the area. After the procedure, some women opt to stay overnight, but the surgery can also be done during the day.
Although the abnormal cells are removed, it is important to continue doing smears afterwards to detect any future changes!
OT&P Obstetrician Dr Zara Chan
While regular cervical cancer screening is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer, you can also lower your risk with the following preventive measures:
Colposcopy can be described as an in-depth gynaecological check. And although getting an abnormal result can be worrying, you must continue undergoing cervical screenings. It cannot be stressed enough that regular screenings are instrumental in detecting cervical cancer early, so that it can be addressed promptly.
If you want a cervical screening or for more advice about cervical health in Hong Kong, OT&P gynaecologists are highly skilled and knowledgeable to help with any issues. Book an appointment or get in contact with us today.