Where Can You Get Screened?
- Visit your nearest public clinic or hospital offering cervical cancer screening
- Ask a nurse or health worker for more information
Remember
Cervical cancer often has no symptoms early on
SCREENING CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE
How Cervical Cancer is Detected
Knowing how cervical cancer is detected helps you understand your health better. In South Africa women can access free cervical cancer screening in all public health facilities.
HPV Screening
Self-sampling kits can be bought from private labs such as Ampath, Lancet and Pathcare.
Follow-up Examinations
If initial tests show abnormal results, your healthcare provider may recommend further test for a more detailed examination of your cervix.
Biopsy Procedures
A biopsy takes a small sample of tissue to check for abnormal or cancerous cells. This helps doctors decide on the best treatment.
Staging & Additional Testing
If cancer is confirmed, imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans may be used to determine if the cancer has spread and establish a treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Pap-smear test painful?
A Pap smear might feel a bit uncomfortable, but it usually is not painful. It only takes a few minutes, and some women feel mild cramping or pressure during the test.
What happens if my test results are abnormal?
Abnormal results do not necessarily mean cancer. They often indicate the presence of cell changes that may need further evaluation. Your doctor will recommend appropriate follow-up testing, which may include repeat testing or a biopsy.
What are imaging tests?
A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body. You lie still on a table that moves through a doughnut-shaped machine. The scan is painless and usually takes just a few minutes.
An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to make detailed pictures of your organs and tissues. You lie on a table that slides into a large tube-shaped machine. It does not use X-rays, and the scan is painless, though the machine can be loud. It usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
A PET scan helps doctors see how your organs and tissues are working. It uses a small amount of a safe radioactive substance that shows up on the scan. The test is painless and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
CT Scan Machine
MRI Scan Machine
