Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Thai women, after breast cancer. Cervical cancer screening is a crucial step in detecting the disease in its early stages, allowing for timely treatment and control. There are currently several methods for cervical cancer screening, and each method is more suitable for each individual based on their circumstances and needs.
When and How Often Should You Get Screened for Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer screening involves detecting changes in the tissue cells of the cervix before abnormalities or symptoms appear. This aims to find precancerous lesions of early-stage cancer, enabling effective prevention and treatment of early-stage cancer.
Cervical cancer can be divided into two stages:
Early stage: Can be detected through screening even if the patient has no symptoms.
Late stage: Occurs when the patient starts showing symptoms such as bleeding after sexual intercourse, chronic vaginal discharge, or discharge mixed with blood. These symptoms indicate an urgent need for cervical cancer screening. If these symptoms are left untreated until there is abdominal pain, or blood in the stool, it suggests that the infection has spread to other organs, making it difficult to treat and potentially leading to death.
Generally, cervical cancer screening should begin at 30 years old, but it can start as early as 25 years old if appropriate. Screenings should be conducted every 2-3 years. If three consecutive screening results show no abnormalities, and the individual has no history of precancerous lesions and no immune deficiencies, then screening can be conducted less often, every 3-5 years. For those with immune deficiencies, screening should be done every 6 months in the first year after diagnosis of the immune deficiency, and then once a year thereafter.
How Many Types of Cervical Cancer Screenings Are There?
Currently, there are three main methods for cervical cancer screening:
Pap Smear
This is a traditional method for cervical cancer screening where a gynecologist uses a spatula-like instrument to collect tissue samples from the cervix. These samples are then sent to a laboratory to check for abnormal or changing cells that could lead to cancer. This method has been used for a long time.
ThinPrep Pap Test
Developed from the Pap smear method, the ThinPrep Pap Test is more efficient and accurate. Research from institutions worldwide has shown that ThinPrep provides more detailed results for cervical cancer cell detection than the traditional Pap smear.
In this method, the gynecologist uses a small brush to collect epithelial cells from the cervix. The brush head is then placed into a liquid-based medium that preserves the cells, ensuring a complete sample. This sample is then loaded into an automated machine that prepares the cells on a glass slide. This process removes contaminants like mucus and red blood cells, and reduces cell overlapping, which significantly improves the chances of detecting existing abnormalities.
HPV DNA Test
This method involves an in-depth cervical cancer screening at the DNA level using Thin Prep Plus Cervista HPV DNA Testing. It combines cervical cancer cell detection with testing for the DNA of high-risk HPV strains linked to cervical cancer. This method is more effective than a Pap smear alone in detecting the risk of cervical cancer, as it can specifically identify the presence of HPV 16 and HPV 18, which significantly indicates the risk of hidden lesions.
Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap Smear + HPV DNA at BNH Hospital
BNH Hospital has accumulated continuous and extensive experience in women’s healthcare, leading to specialized expertise in women’s health. This led to the establishment of the Women’s Health Centre, which further developed and expanded into a specialized center, the Gynecology Centre, to provide effective screening, consultation, prevention, and treatment for cervical cancer in both Thai and foreign women.
BNH Hospital would like to recommend the most comprehensive cervical cancer screening package ever! “The CO-TEST PACKAGE” which combines two technologies into one package (Pap Smear + HPV DNA Test). This screening should be performed every 1-3 years (depending on the technique used). Statistical data from BNH Hospital’s Co-Test cervical cancer screenings between 2019 and 2022, totaling approximately 18,000 cases, found high-risk HPV, the primary cause of cervical cancer, in 10% of cases, even without abnormal symptoms.
Co-Test (Pap Smear & HPV DNA) for Cervical Cancer Screening
The Pap smear detects abnormal cervical cells and is a traditional cervical cancer screening method. The HPV DNA test is an in-depth DNA-level test for high-risk HPV viruses, which are the main cause of cervical cancer. This modern technique increases the sensitivity and accuracy of cervical cancer risk screening. When these two techniques are performed together, it’s called a Co-Test, which helps detect abnormalities in the early stages and allows for rapid treatment.
Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS)
This is a high-frequency sound wave examination performed through the vagina to view pelvic organs, especially female reproductive organs such as the uterus and ovaries. Transvaginal ultrasound plays a significant role because it provides clearer images of pelvic organs than abdominal ultrasound. It is useful in diagnosing abnormalities of the uterus, uterine cavity, and ovaries, such as uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts. It can also aid in evaluating the health of the uterus and ovaries as reproductive technology.
Cervical cancer can be prevented and completely cured if detected in its early stages. Therefore, regular internal examinations and cervical cancer screenings, along with choosing effective screening methods, will help ensure your confidence in health and safety from cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Screening Package: Pap Smear & HPV DNA
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Normal Price
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Special Price
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4,966 THB
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2,900 THB
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The Pap Smear, together with HPV DNA (Co-test) package, has a higher accuracy in detecting early-stage cervical cancer than a Pap Smear alone. It significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer because it has nearly 100% sensitivity in detecting cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer screening can be performed as soon as you become sexually active, as cervical cancer is caused by high-risk HPV strains transmitted through sexual contact. Generally, the popular screening method is the Pap Smear alone, which checks for abnormal cells that may develop into cancer in the future. However, it is now recommended to combine the Pap Smear with the HPV DNA test (Co-test). The HPV DNA test detects the HPV virus, which is the primary cause of up to 90% of cervical cancer cases. This is considered a highly accurate test, further reducing the risk of cervical cancer due to its nearly 100% sensitivity in detecting cervical cancer. It gives doctors a higher chance of detecting cancer in its early stages compared to a Pap Smear alone. It is recommended to undergo Co-test cervical cancer screening every 3 years, or a Pap Smear every year (if results are normal).
Suitable for:
- Women aged 25 years and older, or who have been sexually active.
- Experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge, such as foul odor or blood mixed in.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse.
- Unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Unusual lower abdominal pain.
- Blood in urine or stool.
Examinations Included:
- Physical and Pelvic Examination by an Obstetric and Gynecologist
- Pap Smear & HPV DNA
- Doctor’s fee, nursing, and hospital services fee
Preparation Before Screening:
- Avoid screening during menstruation. It is recommended to get screened at least 3 days after your period has ended.
- Do not douche or use vaginal suppositories for at least 2 days before the examination.
- Avoid sexual intercourse for at least 1 day before the examination.
- If you are having menstruation and facing severe menstrual pain, you can consult a doctor without waiting for your period to end.
- Urinate before the examination.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.