I was shocked to read that cervical cancer is still one
of the leading causes of death in Indonesian women. It seems
that the female population at large is still ignorant as to
the risks of this disease and how to prevent it. One of the
leading causes of the disease is the Human Papilloma Virus
or HPV (a sexually transmitted genital wart). Now, if the
rate of the disease is so high, and HPV is the leading cause,
this can only mean one thing, that Indonesia really does have
a very promiscuous society, and it’s about time those
concerned with the health care acknowledged and treated these
diseases properly. There is no cure for HPV, but we can keep
an eye on the cancerous changes that it can cause on the cervix.
If harmful cells are found then we can remove them by simple
surgery before it becomes a serious problem.
How to we detect and prevent cervical cancer?
Cancer of the cervix (kanker leher rahim) is the second most
common cause of cancer-related disease and death among women
worldwide. The best way to prevent cervical cancer is by having
regular Papanicolaou (Pap) tests. A Pap test can detect viral
infections (such as human papillomavirus) and other cancer-causing
conditions. Early treatment of these conditions can stop cervical
cancer before it fully develops. A woman can have cervical
cancer and not know it because she may not have any symptoms.
The occurrence of cervical cancer has decreased because of
Pap test screening. Many women (millions) are found to have
abnormal Pap tests each year. Most of them are early stage
and need reasonable observation by doctor. Risks factors for
cancer of the cervix : Multiple sexual partners (or sexual
partners who have had multiple partners). Starting sexual
intercourse at an early age. Viral infection, such as human
papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
or herpes simplex virus (HSV). Weakened immune system. Previous
cancer of the lower genital tract. Smoking.
When & how often should you have a PAP smear?
Cervical cancer screening is recommended yearly starting at
age 18 years or when a woman becomes sexually active, if younger
than age 18. Less frequent screening is done if you have a
negative Pap test 3 years in a row, or if you are not sexually
active. No upper age limit for screening exists, because the
incidence of cancer of the cervix increases with age. Most
of these cancers are diagnosed after age 50 years. Even after
menopause, a woman should continue to have regular Pap tests.
If you have had your uterus removed, yearly screening should
be performed if there is a history of abnormal Pap tests or
other lower genital tract cancer. The best time to have a
Pap test is when you are not menstruating. If you feel more
comfortable with a female doctor, you can ask for one. For
two days before the test, avoid the following because these
might hide any abnormal cells : Intercourse. Douches. Vaginal
medications (except as directed by your doctor). Vaginal contraceptives
such as birth control foams, creams, or jellies. Pap smear
should be done as part of a pelvic exam and should be accompanied
by a breast exam performed by your doctor. It should only
take a few minutes to perform a Pap smear. PAP smears are
available with me at my Kuta Poleng practice, or you may prefer
to go directly to the Prodia laboratory.
Although the Pap test is the best method of preventing cancer
or detecting it early, it is not perfect. Because even the
best labs can miss some cell changes, you should have the
test performed yearly. If your Pap test is normal, you will
continue routine screening.
Early cervical pre-cancers or cancer often have no signs or
symptoms. Therefore, it is important for women to have
regular Pap tests. Symptoms usually appear when the cancer
is further along. Report any of the following to your doctor
right away: Unusual vaginal discharge. Blood spots or light
bleeding other than your normal period. Bleeding or pain during
sex. These symptoms do not mean that you have cancer. They
can also be caused by other conditions, but a check-up with
the doctor is a must to find out. And don’t forget,
while this information is now common in developed countries,
many even well educated local women are unaware of the dangers
of cervical cancer. So why don’t you do someone a favor
and book a local friend in for a smear as well?
“Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse and Midwife
that has been living and working in Bali for almost twenty
years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral
service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any
health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail
at info@chcbali.com”.
