Guide for Community Assessments on Women's Health Care - ICRW

A11. Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Tests
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is the rapid, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells on the cervix. The cervix is the
lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. If and when detected early, cervical cancer is
curable.
Cervical Cancer and HIV
Women living with HIV are at greater risk of developing cervical cancer because HIV has suppressed
their immune system. Women living with HIV tend to have multiple types of the Human Papilloma
Virus (HPV) because as HIV progresses, the ability of the immune system to control the HPV
infection is reduced. Higher levels of HPV can result in the development of HPV-related diseases
such as cervical cancer.
What Makes a Woman Vulnerable to Cervical Cancer?
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Infection with a virus such as HPV
Multiple sexual partners
Engaging in sexual intercourse at an early age, especially be<strong>for</strong>e age 18
Smoking
Sex with someone who have had sexual contact with a woman with cervical cancer
The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable. It can be cured if it is diagnosed early.
How is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?
Cervical cancer can be detected with a Pap smear test, which evaluates the health of the cervix and
screens <strong>for</strong> cervical cancer. The doctor or nurse scrapes a small sample of cervical cells and smears
them onto a glass slide to be analyzed under a microscope. Abnormal cells sometimes will go back
to normal on their own, but sometimes they continue to develop and, if left untreated, can develop
into cancer.
Why is a Pap Smear Test Important?
If the Pap smear test detects cervical cancer, treatment can prevent the cancer from developing.
Who Should Have the Pap Smear Test?
All women should go <strong>for</strong> a Pap smear test three years after their first sexual intercourse, and then
once per year. The test is free in public hospitals.
102 Annex A: Fact Sheets