The significance of gynaecological screening
Gynaecological cancer screenings help doctors find early signs of cancer, such as abnormal cells, so they can treat it before it gets worse. As gynae oncology is becoming more common in younger women, it’s important for them to start caring for their health early and take preventive measures with regular screenings.
- Check the health of the female reproductive organs.
- Find early signs of problems (if any), such as small tumors that haven’t spread yet. This helps doctors diagnose and treat the issue on time, preventing serious health problems later.
- Receive advice from the gynaecology specialist on healthy habits and a balanced diet to stay healthy.
- Prevent complications and save on cancer treatment costs. If the disease is found too late, it might have spread, making treatment harder and less effective. This means patients will need to spend more time, effort, and money to recover, with lower chances of success.
What does gynaecological screening include?
A typical gynaecological screening includes several tests and exams that focus on a woman’s reproductive health. These screenings are tailored to a woman’s age, medical history, and any specific health risks she may have.
Clinical examination
This step helps doctors find any unusual symptoms or infections in the female gynaecology system. While it can’t confirm if a woman has cancer, it’s still an important part of the process. It helps the doctor understand the symptoms and decide on the best next steps for further testing, based on the individual patient.
Imaging diagnosis
This includes tests like transvaginal ultrasound and colposcopy. Gynaecological ultrasound scan helps doctors find any problems in the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other areas. Colposcopy allows doctors to closely examine the cervix and see any damage or issues. If needed, the doctor may take a small tissue sample for a biopsy to check for any further concerns.
Gynaecological screening cancer screening tests
- Pap Smear Test: This test helps oncology doctor find abnormal or cancerous cells in the cervix. It can also spot early changes in cervical cells and predict future risks.
- HPV Test: This test checks for the DNA of the HPV virus, especially the types HPV16 and HPV18, which can lead to cervical cancer.
- CA 125 Blood Test: This test helps detect ovarian cancer. A normal CA 125 level is under 35 U/ml. If the level is higher, it could mean there’s a risk of ovarian cancer.
Besides the tests mentioned above, a biopsy is another effective method that is commonly used to diagnose gynaecological problems. If the doctor finds abnormal signs in the cells of the genital area, they may suggest a biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the suspicious area to test and confirm the diagnosis.
When should you have your gynaecological system screened?
It is suggested that women should start having yearly cancer screenings at age 25. In addition, based on your current health condition and medical history, it is recommended that gynaecological cancer screening should begin at a certain time.
- Women who started their period early (before 12) or went through menopause late (after 50).
- Women who have never had children or had their first child late (after 35).
- Women with a history of breast cancer, cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, or vaginal cancer, as they have a higher risk of developing gynaecological cancer.
- If a close family member, like a mother, sister, or daughter, has had cancer, the risk of getting it is higher.
- Women using hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progesterone for menopause symptoms may have a higher risk of breast cancer.
- Women who have symptoms like lumps in the breast or armpit (usually painless), nipple discharge, changes in the color of the nipple, sores or scabs on the nipple, or changes in the skin of the breast, should also get screened for gynaecological cancer.
Considerations before and after a gynaecological screening
This is an important action to protect women’s reproductive health. To make sure the exam goes well and gives the most accurate results, you should keep the following points in mind:
Before the examination
- The best time to have the exam is 5-7 days after your period ends. This helps ensure more accurate test results.
- Clean the genital area thoroughly before the exam, but avoid douching, as it can change the vaginal environment and affect the test results.
- Do not have sex for 2-3 days before the exam to avoid affecting the cervical cells.
- Let the doctor know if you are taking any medications, especially vaginal treatments or if you are being treated for any gynaecological infections, so they can give you specific advice.
During the examination
- Try to stay calm and relaxed, and cooperate with the doctor to make the exam quick and comfortable.
- If you have any questions about the exam or the test results, don’t hesitate to ask the doctor.
After the examination
- You may have a little bleeding after the exam. This is a normal symptom and should stop after a short time, so you don’t have to worry too much.
- You should get gynaecological cancer screenings every 6 months or once a year. If you have risk factors like early sexual activity, multiple partners, smoking, or a weak immune system, regular check-ups are even more important.
- Have a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and avoid spicy foods and too much caffeine. Staying positive and trying to avoid stress is the key to help improve your health.
Getting gynaecological screening early helps women check their health, find problems early, and treat any serious issues. In particular, women aged 25 and above should proactively undergo screening to detect cervical cancer, as recommended by medical experts.
