What every woman needs to know about cervical cancer.

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If you've ever had a slightly, erm, uncomfortable cervical screening, you're not alone.

In fact, most women have. It's one of those appointments that often gets pushed down the to-do list — but Dr Janice Tan, a Sydney-based GP with a focus on women's health, says it's a check-up that simply shouldn't be skipped.

"I've dedicated myself to women's health because it has such a ripple effect on families and communities," Dr Tan, who is also the General Manager of Clinical Innovation at Bupa, told Mamamia.

"The world doesn't run without women."

The world may not run without women, but Dr Tan's experience is that women are often last on their own priority list when it comes to health.

"There are instances where I would see a woman and think I've seen her many times, but when I look at her records, I realise I haven't seen her as a patient for two years or more — I've seen her with her husband or kids, but not for her. Sometimes women are getting to 40 and realising, 'I rarely see a doctor just for me.' They're always there for other people, but not themselves."

The reasons behind this deprioritisation of women's health are complex, Dr Tan said. Of course, women are busy, but in many instances there is also an element of fear.

"There is a fear that there could be something wrong and a sense that maybe it's better not to know."

Dr Tan understands why women would put critical health checks like cervical screening off, but she doesn't recommend it. She wants women to know that the experience of having a cervical screening has changed dramatically in the past three years.

"The test used to be a doctor sticking a speculum inside you, taking a swab of your cervix. It wasn't comfortable at all," she told Mamamia. "But in 2022, they introduced self-collected cervical screening."

That self-collected screening has, in Dr Tan's view, entirely changed the game for women's health.

Women who are considered low risk for cervical cancer (meaning they haven't had abnormal screenings in the past) may be eligible for self-collection. This involves taking a vaginal swab in a clinical setting and is generally considered more comfortable and private than the traditional method. Low-risk patients can discuss both options with their doctor, and self-collection is considered effective for detecting cervical cancer in these cases. Dr Tan is keen to raise awareness of this option.

"I love to spread the word about self-collection, because it's been out for three years but sometimes the news doesn't permeate into communities," she said.

For women looking to learn more, check out Bupa's website for great women's health and wellness articles.

But it's a message that women's health professionals can't spread alone — and Dr Tan's biggest wish is that you'll tell all your friends too.

"I would love for people to have more conversations around cervical screening and breast screening. The more you call it out, the more you make it a normal part of the conversation. I love when you catch up with friends and they're all asking, 'When was your last pap smear?' just as general conversation."

Of course, cervical cancer screening isn't just a conversation topic — it's a medical procedure that can, and does, save women's lives.

"What we're looking for is the presence of HPV [Human Papillomavirus]," Dr Tan explained. "There are 32 strains of HPV, and two of them (16 and 18) are notorious for causing cervical cancer."

Being able to detect the virus that causes cervical cancer means that, if caught early, doctors can intervene so it can be treated before the cancer spreads. In a best-case scenario, the presence of the problematic HPV strains would be caught before a woman starts to show any symptoms — just another reason it's critical to continue getting cervical screenings, even if there's nothing obviously "wrong".

"Cervical screening gives women the best chance of staying well," Dr Tan advised. That's why it's so critical that women don't put it off — and given that the recommendation is for women who haven't had abnormal screenings in the past to have a screening only once every five years, it's hardly an enormous imposition.

"Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers we have," Dr Tan said. "Don't put it off — a few minutes every five years could save your life."

Visit Bupa's website for some great women's health and wellness articles.

This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any medical condition, always seek health advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Feature Image: Getty.

Bupa is dedicated to empowering women to take control of their health at every stage of life. Visit bupa.com.au/womens-health-and-wellness for women's health articles and feel good health catch on.