Is cervical screening necessary?

In recent years, the incidence of cervical cancer has been very high. This tumor has seriously affected women's health, so it is very necessary for adult women to undergo regular cervical cancer screening, especially for married women and women who have had sexual lives. In addition, the screening efficiency will vary at different age stages. Those who have the conditions can receive cervical cancer vaccination.

1. Which screening method is the best?

The cervical scraping method (Pap smear) used in the past is cheap, but has low accuracy and has been basically eliminated. The current mainstream screening methods are TCT and HPV testing. TCT has been launched in second-tier and even third-tier cities, while HPV testing is currently only available in large cities. If it is not available in your area, then getting a traditional Pap smear is also an option.

2. When will the screening begin?

Cervical cancer screening is not recommended for children under 21 years old, because the incidence of cervical cancer and its precancerous lesions is extremely low at this age, and screening is not very meaningful. Start screening after age 21.

3. How to choose a screening method?

Women aged 21-29 only need to do TCT and do not need HPV testing, because the HPV infection rate in this age group is very high, but most of them are transient infections. Cervical cancer requires persistent infection with high-risk HPV to occur.

Women aged 30-65 should choose TCT+HPV combined testing. HPV testing alone is not recommended, but TCT alone is OK (see below)

For women aged >65 years, if previous screening results were normal, further screening is not recommended.

4. Is screening required every year?

Hehe, this is the most confusing part for everyone, even many doctors. The answer is:

All age groups do not need annual screening

For those aged 30-65 years, if TCT+HPV is normal, screening can be done once every 5 years (preferred)

If you only have the conditions to do TCT, or only need to do TCT (such as the 21-29 age group), then once every 3 years is sufficient (second choice)

Many friends have gone to Hong Kong to get the cervical cancer vaccine, but please note that even after getting the vaccine, you still need to go for screening according to the above method!