Women with pre-cancerous changes or early cervical cancer usually do not display any symptoms. You should consult a doctor promptly if you are experiencing:

• Irregular menstrual-like bleeding or unexplained vaginal bleeding;
• Vaginal bleeding after sex; or
• Persistent strong smelling vaginal discharge.

Cervical cancer develops from a few abnormal cells to a tumour over several years. Annual Pap smears are very effective in reducing the risk of developing this type of cancer.

Did you know?

• Cervical cancer spreads outwards from the cervix to the bladder and rectum.
• Cervical cancer has a prolonged, distinct pre-cancerous phase.

• Pre-cancerous changes of the cervix can be easily treated. The following options are available at NUH, and can performed  as a day surgery:

  ·       Laser ablation. Pre-cancerous changes are completely removed using laser energy. This procedure does not require sedation or general anaesthesia.

  • Cold coagulation. Heat is applied to the pre-cancerous areas of the cervix to cauterise and destroy any abnormal areas on the cervix. This procedure does not require sedation or general anaesthesia.
  • LEEP (Loop Electro-Excision Procedure). A powered loop device cauterises and removes abnormal or pre-cancerous areas of the cervix. This procedure does not cause any blood loss.
  • Laser conisation
  • Needle conisation
  • Cold knife conisation
  
  

Here are some quick facts on outcomes after cervical cancer and pre-cancer treatment.

• Regular Pap smears effectively identify pre-cancerous changes on the cervix.
• Pre-cancerous changes can be easily treated in a clinic.
• Treatment of pre-cancerous changes can prevent the risk of cervical cancer.
• Early treatment of cancer allows for a 90% chance of complete recovery.
• Late-stage cervical cancer remains a highly treatable condition with chemotherapy and radiation.