Download a soft copy of the Cervical Cancer brochure in English

SUPPORT GROUP
The Gyn Cancer TEAL Support Group was established in 2008 by a
group of passionate nurses and doctors to provide peer support among
women who are diagnosed with ovarian and other gynaecologic cancers
at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) located at
the National University Hospital (N UH). TEAL is our awareness colour
and also represents women who are Totally Empowered and Actively
Living! Activities are conducted quarterly which include educational
talks, seminars, workshops, excursions and year end parties.
Membership is free. For more information, please call CancerLine Nurse
at: 9722 0569 (Mon – Fri: 8.30am – 5.30pm)
or email CancerLineNurse@nuhs.edu.sg.
ABOUT NCIS
The National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) is the only
comprehensive public cancer centre in Singapore treating both
paediatric and adult cancers in one facility. Located at the National
University Hospital (N UH), NCIS a broad spectrum of cancer
care with expertise in prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment,
rehabilitation and palliative care.
MAIN BUILDING
KENT RIDGE
WING
NUHS TOWER BLOCK
MEDICAL
CENTRE
CONTACT I NFORMA TION
National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS)
Radiation Therapy Centre and Breast Care Centre
NUH Medical CentreLevel 8
Chemotherapy Centre and Stem Cell Therapy Centre
NUH Medical CentreLevel 9
Cancer Centre
NUH Medical CentreLevel 10
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm
(Mon – Fri: except on Public Holidays)
For appointments, please contact
Tel: (65) 6773 7888
Email: CancerApptLine@nuhs.edu.sg
For International Patients and Visitors
The International Patient Liaison Centre (I PLC) is a one-stop centre to
support all the medical needs of our foreign patients.
Tel: (65) 6779 2777 (24-hour Helpline)
Fax: (65) 6777 8065
Website: www.nuh.com.sg/iplc
For all other general enquiries, please contact
National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS)
1E Kent Ridge Road,
NUHS Tower Block, Level 7, Singapore 119228
Email: ncis@nuhs.edu.sg
Website: www.ncis.com.sg
For more information on directions to NUH, log on to
www.nuh.com.sg.
F
log on to www.ncis.com.sg.
National University Hospital
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road,
Singapore 119074
Tel: (65) 6779 5555
Fax: (65) 6779 5678
Website: www.nuh.com.sg
Information in this brochure is given as a guide only and does not replace
medical advice from your doctor. Please seek advice from your doctor if you have
questions related to the surgery, your health or medical condition.
Information is correct at time of printing (Mar 2012) and subject to revision
without notice.
PATIENT INFORMATION
ABOUT
CERVICAL
CANCER

What is Cervical Cancer?
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) connecting the body
of the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cancer of the cervix can take
many years to develop. Before cancer occurs, the cervix undergoes
pre-cancerous phases. These pre-cancerous phases cause changes in
the cervix known as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) and can
develop to cancer if left untreated.
What can you do to prevent
Cervical Cancer?
There are two ways to prevent cervical cancer:
• Go for regular Pap smear test
• Get vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Uterus
Brush
How is Cervical Cancer
diagnosed?
If you present with any of the symptoms mentioned, the doctor will
perform a pelvic examination and a biopsy of the cervix may be taken
to look for cancer cells.
What are the treatment
options?
There are different treatments available for cervical cancer depending
on the stage of cervical cancer. Factors other than the stage of the
cancer that might have an impact on your treatment decision include
your age, your overall health, and your own preferences. The three
main types of treatment include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Cervix
Rectum
Vagina
Surgery
Surgery is usually the first treatment for cancer of the cervix in the
early stages (where cancer is confined to the cervix). The most common
treatment is hysterectomy to remove the uterus (womb) and cervix. The
neighbouring reproductive organs such as the ovaries and fallopian
tubes may be removed. However this depends on other factors such
as your age.
Who is at risk?
• Persistent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Multiple sexual partners
• Early onset of sexual intercourse
• Usage of oral contraceptives
• Smoking
• History of sexually transmitted disease
• Weakened immune system e.g. HIV infection
People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor.
What are the signs and
symptoms?
Early cervical cancer may not show any noticeable signs or symptoms.
Below are some symptoms of cervical cancer although other conditions
may also cause those symptoms:
• Vaginal bleeding (Between periods or after sexual intercourse)
• Blood-stained vaginal discharge
• Pain during sexual intercourse
A doctor should be consulted if the symptoms above occur.
A pap smear test is a simple procedure where cells are collected from
the surface of the cervix and then sent to a laboratory to detect any
abnormality. All sexually active women between 25 and 69 years
old are advised to have a pap smear test regularly (every 3 years on
average).
If you have an abnormal pap smear, the doctor may do any of the
following:
• Colposcopy
The doctor uses a colposcope (a lighted, magnifying instrument)
to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas. It is not inserted
into the vagina.
• Cone Biopsy
If the abnormal area cannot be seen properly with the colposcope,
a cone biopsy may be carried out. The doctor will remove a coneshaped
sample of tissue for the pathologist to examine under a
microscope for any abnormal cells. This procedure is often done
under a general anaesthetic.
Cervical cancer is caused by a common virus called the Human
Papillomavirus (HPV). Being vaccinated against HPV is recommended
for all young women aged 10 to 25. Ideally the vaccine should be given
before the first sexual contact. Currently available HPV vaccines are
given as three injections over a six-month period.
Some patients with the earliest stage cervical cancers can be treated
with cervical conisation (cone biopsy) or simple hysterectomy alone.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high energy x-rays
or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or to keep them from
growing. There are two types of radiation therapy – external and
internal. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type
and stage of the cancer being treated.
Radiation can be used after surgery for early stage cervical cancer. It is
also the main treatment for later stage (stage 2 and above) cancers. For
cervical cancer, when radiation is the main treatment, it is often given
along with low doses of chemotherapy for it to work better.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to help kill cancer cells and shrink the
size of the tumour. It is often combined with radiation therapy. Usually
the drugs are given into a vein. Once the drugs enter the bloodstream,
they spread throughout the body. In cervical cancer, chemotherapy is
also given to women with advanced or recurrent cancer.