Screening options :
Dr. Ria Katwala Solanki is a gynaecologist and gynaecological oncosurgeon consulting in Andheri East and Vile Parle West, Mumbai, who helps women stay ahead of cervical cancer through regular screening — testing that helps find changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer.
The two main tests are:
Pap smear (Pap test): Looks for abnormal cells in the cervix.
HPV test: Checks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cervical cancer.
Screening protocol :
Pap smear test:
HPV DNA test:
Co-testing Pap + HPV DNA test:
Start at 25 years
Start at 25 years
Start at 25 years
Should be done every 3 years if the previous tests were normal.
Should be done every 5 years if the previous tests were normal.
Should be done every 5 years if the previous tests were normal.
Efficacy: Good
Efficacy: Better
Efficacy: Best
These tests are pain-free, quick, simple, and usually done during a pelvic exam.
Cervical cancer is preventable — early screening makes all the difference.
Take charge of your health — a simple test today can protect your tomorrow.
What is HPV?
HPV is a very common virus spread through skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual activity.
Most people get it at some point in their life and while many infections go away on their own, some types can turn cancerious and lead to cervical cancer
Fun Fact
The HPV vaccine isn't just for women, it's for men too!
Men aged 9-26 years can also take this vaccine. It helps them protect against genital warts, anal and penile cancer!
Prevention of cervical cancer
Over 99% of cervical cancer cases are linked to the Human Papillomavirus.
The Gardasil-9 vaccine covers 98% of cancer-causing HPV.
Boys and girls can both get it!
HPV isn’t just a women’s issue. Vaccinating everyone helps stop the spread and protects both partners!
Is It Safe?
Yes! The HPV vaccine is extensively studied and proven to be safe.
Side effects are usually mild — like a sore arm or low-grade fever.
Note :
Recommended for females aged 9–26 years
Dosage:
-
Below 14 years – 2 doses
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14 years and above – 3 doses
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: At what age should I start cervical cancer screening?
Screening is generally recommended starting at 25 years of age, regardless of whether you've had the HPV vaccine.
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Q: Which screening test should I choose — Pap smear, HPV DNA, or co-testing?
Co-testing (Pap smear plus HPV DNA) offers the highest accuracy, but your gynaecologist can recommend the best option based on your age, history, and risk factors.
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Q: If screening finds an abnormality, is surgery always needed?
No. Many changes can be monitored or treated with minor procedures; surgery is only considered for more advanced or persistent changes.
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Q: Is robotic or laparoscopic surgery relevant to abnormal screening results?
If a screening result does eventually require surgery, laparoscopic or robotic surgery — both minimally invasive — are typically the preferred approach.
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Q: Is the HPV vaccine still useful if I'm already sexually active?
Yes, it can still offer protection against HPV strains you haven't yet been exposed to, though it works best when given before exposure.
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Q: How often should I repeat screening after a normal result?
This depends on the test used — every 3 years for a Pap smear or every 5 years for an HPV DNA test — as long as previous results were normal.
