Cervical Cancer Doesn’t Wait — Stay Ahead with Preventive Screening

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer often starts without a whisper—no pain, no obvious signs, just quiet changes in the cells of the cervix that, if left unnoticed, can turn life-threatening. Cervical cancer originates in the cells lining the cervix in the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though HPV is highly prevalent, infection with it does not always cause cervical cancer. The majority of time, the virus is eliminated by the body on its own, but occasionally it can lead to the development of aberrant cells which, if left untreated, can develop into cancer. In India, the frequency of cervical cancer is startlingly high, making it the fourth most frequent malignancy among women worldwide. As per World Health Organisation (WHO), cervical cancer accounts for approximately 7.5% of all cancer related deaths in women. Prevention and better treatment results can result from an understanding of the significance of early screening and detection. Our goal in writing this blog is to increase knowledge about cervical cancer treatment options and early prevention.

Warning signs your cervix might be sending you:

Cervical cancer often lurks silently, showing no signs and symptoms of cervical cancer in early stages. But when it speaks, listen carefully to these red flags-

·       Unusual Vaginal Bleeding – Spotting after intercourse, between menstrual periods, or following menopause is not normal and may indicate a serious condition.

·       Persistent Pelvic Pain – Unexplained discomfort deep within the pelvis should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

·       Painful Intimacy – Experiencing pain during intercourse may signal an underlying gynaecological issue requiring medical attention.

·       Abnormal Vaginal Discharge – Watery, bloody, or foul-smelling discharge may indicate cervical health concerns that should not be ignored.

·       Unexplained Weight Loss & Fatigue – Persistent weakness, fatigue, or unintended weight loss warrants further investigation.

What to expect during the testing:

Since, cervical cancer often develops silently, without any symptoms in its early stages. A preventive screening is essential—even if one feel completely healthy. Most women feel nervous about getting screened. At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, our experienced healthcare providers guide you through every step, ensuring comfort, dignity, and clarity throughout the procedure and will only take a few minutes.

At Mahajan Imaging & Labs the screening process includes the following steps:

·       The patient will lie on their back with knees bent and feet placed in stirrups. A healthcare provider gently inserts a speculum into the vagina to open it and obtain a clear view of the cervix.

·       A small, soft brush or spatula is used to collect cells from the cervix. The process takes only a few seconds and may cause slight discomfort—but it is quick and usually painless.

·       The collected sample is sent to a lab to test for abnormal cervical cells (Pap test) or high-risk HPV types that could lead to cervical cancer.

If the test results are normal, it is essential to continue with regular cervical screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider to ensure ongoing monitoring of cervical health. Routine screenings help detect any changes early and maintain preventive care. However, if abnormal cells are identified, your doctor will advise further diagnostic procedures to assess the nature and severity of the findings. This may include additional testing, such as colposcopy, biopsy, or HPV genotyping, to determine the appropriate course of action.

Who should get screened?

Cervical cancer screening is important for all women, but some may need to be screened more often due to higher risk. One may fall into this category if:

·       Women with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV or other conditions that reduce the body’s ability to fight infections, are at higher risk.

·       Those whose mothers took diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy may also face an increased risk.

·       Women with a personal history of cervical cancer or who have been treated for severe precancerous lesions should undergo more frequent screening.

Know the Tests, Lower the Risk:

Cervical cancer can be detected early—and even prevented—with regular screening. The two most reliable screening methods are the Pap smear and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test.

·       Pap smear test: The Pap smear is a straightforward test in which a small sample of cells is gently collected from the cervix. These cells are then examined under a microscope to identify any abnormal or potentially cancerous changes.

·       HPV DNA test: To understand the HPV DNA test, it's important to know that HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a group of viruses, some of which are linked to the development of cervical cancer. The HPV DNA test checks for the high-risk strains of the virus that are most likely to cause these changes in the cervix.

Why choose Mahajan Imaging & Labs?

At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, we believe that preventive healthcare should be accessible, accurate, and compassionate. When it comes to something as important as cervical cancer screening, choosing the right diagnostic partner can make all the difference. Here’s why patients trust us:

·       Expertise you can rely on

·       Comfortable & Patient-friendly environment

·       Advanced technology & Accurate testing

·       Hygienic & Private facilities

·       Timely reports & follow-up support

·       Easy access & Booking

Final thoughts:

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is almost entirely preventable—with the right screening and early detection. Screening is a potent tool for protection and self-care, not merely a medical exam. These few minutes can provide you with years of peace of mind, whether it's an HPV test or a basic Pap smear. Therefore, don't wait for symptoms to appear—cervical cancer rarely makes an announcement. Our goal at Mahajan Imaging & Labs is to make the process simple, considerate, and comforting. Your well-being is important. Your future is important, and being there is the first step.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What happens if my Pap smear results come back abnormal?

Ans. An abnormal result could indicate precancerous or cancerous alterations in your cervix cells; the health provider would need to undertake additional testing.

Q2. Can cervical cancer be cured?

Ans. Certainly, if detected at an early stage, cervical cancer is indeed curable. Early detection and routine screening are crucial. Depending on the disease's stage, cervical cancer can be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery.

Q3. Is there an age limit for cervical cancer screening?

Ans. No, there is no upper age limit for screening for cervical cancer. Nonetheless, it is usually advised to begin testing from age 21. For women over 30, routine screenings are essential, usually every three years.

Q4. Can one get pregnant after being treated for cervical cancer?

Ans. This largely depends on the disease's stage and the course of treatment. While severe stages of cervical cancer frequently need womb removal (hysterectomy), early-stage therapy may preserve fertility. For a better understanding of this, it is highly recommended to discuss with health professionals about it.

Q5. Can I skip screenings if I receive the HPV vaccine?

Ans. No. The HPV vaccine does not protect against all strains of the virus, but it does protect against the most prevalent ones that cause cancer. Frequent screening is still required.

Q6. How to book an appointment?

Ans. You can book your cervical cancer screening test easily through our website, WhatsApp, or by calling our customer care. For quick assistance, chat with us on WhatsApp at +91 88828 97661 or speak directly with our support team at +91 11 4118 3838. We ensure a safe, comfortable, and professional environment for every patient.