If you are waiting for any pain or symptoms to take any action, you are already playing a dangerous game. Unfortunately, cervical cancer does not announce itself early. It grows quietly and invisibly. So, by the time you feel any pain, have a weird discharge accompanied by bleeding, it is too late.
Instead of relying on luck and hoping you don’t get it, take up the challenge and get tested today. Cervical cancer is preventable. However, you will need to put fear and personal avoidance at bay. In this case, ignorance is not bliss.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Yet this is more than just hashtags and pink ribbons. It is a call to action for every woman to go for a checkup immediately. In light of this, most hospitals offer free cervical cancer screening. You really have no more excuses.
Why Testing Is Non-Negotiable.
Cervical Cancer develops slowly, usually over years, through precancerous cell changes caused mainly by persistent HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection. This means the disease gives you a long window to stop it. That is, if you test early. Screening detects abnormal cells before they become cancer.
Skipping testing because you are afraid, or you ‘feel fine’, is like refusing to service your brakes because the car has not crashed yet!
Types Of Cervical Cancer Screening.
1. Pap Smear (Pap Test)
This test checks for abnormal or precancerous cells on the cervix. It doesn’t test for cancer itself; however, it detects any early changes before cancer develops.
2. HPV Test.
This identifies high-risk strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer. If you know the virus is present early, you can monitor and manage risk before cell changes even start.
3. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA)
This method of testing is popular in low-resource settings. A healthcare provider applies vinegar to the cervix and looks for abnormal white patches. It is simple and affordable, especially for low-income earners who want to get tested. It is also often done to women under the age of 25.
How Often Should You Get a Pap Smear & HPV Test?
Most women don’t need a Pap test every year. However, after turning 21, it is recommendable to get a Pap smear every 3 years.
If you are under 30, HPV tests aren’t needed. But if you are over 30 years old, you can have a Pap smear every 3 years and a HPV test every 5 years.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure.
Nobody has ever won a trophy for suffering. So why should you subject yourself to a life of suffering in the unknown? Fear is the real enemy here, and the earlier you equip yourself with knowledge and information, the better placed you are.
Treatment for advanced cervical cancer in itself is very traumatising. Also, very invasive. It involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, fertility loss, financial ruin and possible long-term health damage. Women who have overcome this disease are real warriors. No doubt. However, if detected early, you can prevent all of this. And all you need is to visit a clinic and get a test.
Take Away Notes.
If nothing else hits home, let this be your takeaway:
- HPV vaccination prevents the majority of cervical cancer cases.
- Early detection prevents invasive treatment.
- Routine Screening saves lives.
It is also important to note that avoidance, silence and fear do not protect you; action does. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is preventable. Therefore, leaning on the side of ignorance is actually negligence. Imagine how you would feel if you knew you had a chance to prevent something, but you didn’t?
Visit your nearest clinic today!♥
Mourine Warui is a media and communication expert and seasoned writer. Her goal is to empower and offer solutions to everyday girl’s problems while provoking candid and authentic conversations. Other goals are to provide inspiration and entertainment to readers through creative, thought-provoking and edgy stories.
