Catch It Early - Five Procedures That Could Save Your Life

Whether you’ve got symptoms or not, it never hurts to chat with your doctor about things you can do to stay up to date with your health. Here, we shine the light on five different ways you can get checked for critical health issues – with advice from the experts.

#1 Pap Smear

Cervical cancer is on the rise, explains DR NANDINI SHAH, so women are advised to undergo this important screening test.

Cervical cancer

Symptoms of cervical cancer can include irregular vaginal bleeding or pain during intercourse. However, in many cases, there are no symptoms, she says – which is why regular screening is crucial to catch any cell abnormalities early on.

What exactly is a pap smear?

Also known as a cervical smear, a pap smear test is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix (the entrance of the uterus) to prevent cervical cancer. The test involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix during a routine pelvic exam. The doctor will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. The speculum holds the walls of the vagina apart and allows a clear view of the cervix. Once the speculum is in place, a spatula or brush is inserted through it to take a swab from the cervix. This may feel a little strange, but only takes a few minutes. Once the doctor or nurse has taken some cells for examination, they will remove the speculum and you will be able to get dressed.

What next?

Dr Shah says that treatment for an abnormal pap smear test result is always discussed with one’s health care provider, and follow up largely depends on whether the abnormal cell changes are mild, moderate or severe. In many cases, mild changes usually require a period of observation, as the cells can go back to normal on their own; in this case, another pap smear test would be repeated after a short period of time. However, Dr Shah says that more significant cell changes may require a gynaecology referral for further investigation and, in some cases, the abnormal cells need to be removed before they become cancerous.

#2 Breast Inspections