Cervical screening & cancer prevention: What every woman should know

THE cervix is a small but powerful part of a woman’s body. It sits at the lower end of the uterus, acting as a gateway between the womb and the vagina. It plays an important role in menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth. For most women, the cervix goes unnoticed until something goes wrong.

Cervical cancer develops when cells of the cervix begin to change abnormally over time. These changes usually happen slowly and silently, without pain or obvious symptoms. That is why understanding the cervix — and how to protect it — is so important.

In Jamaica, cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. Yet it is also one of the most preventable cancers when the right steps are taken early.

What causes cervical cancer?

The primary cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted virus. Most sexually active people — men and women — will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives. In many cases, the body clears the virus naturally. However, certain high-risk types of HPV can persist and cause abnormal changes in cervical cells, which may progress to cancer if left untreated.

Risk factors include early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, smoking, a weakened immune system, and not being regularly screened. Importantly, having one or few sexual partners does not eliminate risk, as HPV can remain silent in the body for years.

The good news? There’s a vaccine for HPV. Cancer prevention starts with a jab!

One of the most effective tools we have to prevent cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine. The vaccine protects against the most dangerous HPV types responsible for the majority of cervical cancers. Vaccination can be given between ages nine to 45 years. It is safe, effective, and works best when given before exposure to the virus. While it is often discussed in relation to girls, boys and male partners can also be vaccinated. Vaccinating boys protects them from HPV-related cancers and reduces the spread of the virus, helping to protect women as well. Cervical cancer prevention is a shared responsibility.

In Jamaica, the HPV vaccine is available at public health centres (free of cost) and private medical offices. Unfortunately, vaccine uptake in Jamaica has been low — reports indicate coverage at around four per cent, far below the 90 per cent target set by the World Health Organization for preventing cervical cancer within a country’s population.

Getting your child vaccinated, or yourself if you’re eligible, is a simple step with lifelong protection.

Screening saves lives

Even with vaccination, regular screening is essential because not all cancer-causing HPV types are covered by the vaccine and not everyone has been vaccinated. Screening allows doctors to detect abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous.

Two main screening tests are used:

• Pap smears, which look for abnormal cervical cells which could become cancerous

• HPV DNA testing, which detects the virus that causes these changes

These tests are widely available across the island through public health centres and private medical offices.

No need to fear the Pap smear

Many women delay screening because of fear — often based on stories suggesting that Pap smears are painful or traumatic. In reality, much of this fear is rooted in misinformation.

For most women, a Pap smear is quick, simple, and over within minutes. As a gynaecologist, I perform this test regularly, and the vast majority of my patients are surprised by how manageable it is. You may feel mild pressure or brief discomfort, but significant pain is uncommon. A good healthcare provider will explain each step and help you feel at ease.

Do not let fear or myths cause you to miss the opportunity for early detection and prevention.

What if a result is abnormal?

A common fear around cervical cancer screening is what happens if results are “abnormal”. But an abnormal Pap smear does not mean cancer. It often points to early cell changes that can be treated before they become dangerous.

If abnormalities are detected, the next step is usually a colposcopy — a closer look at the cervix using a special microscope. During this visit, the doctor may take a biopsy (small tissue sample) to check for precancerous cells.

For certain types of significant abnormal changes, a treatment procedure such as LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) can remove the affected tissue. LEEP is both diagnostic and curative, meaning it helps confirm disease and remove precancerous cells, preventing progression to cancer. These procedures are safe and often done in an outpatient setting.

Take heart — and take action

In Jamaica, hundreds of women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year — yet most cases can be prevented.

Cervical cancer does not have to remain a threat to Jamaican women, it is one of the few cancers we can truly prevent. With vaccination, regular screening, and timely follow-up, we have the tools to protect the cervix and save the lives of Jamaican women.

January was observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It’s not too late to visit a health centre or private clinic to learn about HPV vaccination and schedule your Pap smear, not with fear, but with knowledge and confidence that you are prioritising your care and future.

Dr Astrid Batchelor is an obstetrician and gynaecologist and certified menopause specialist. She is passionate about improving women’s health care and awareness in Jamaica, particularly in the areas of menopause, infertility, and reproductive wellness. She practices at the Charis Women’s Wellness Centre.

DR ASTRID BATCHELOR.