Cervix screening involves a test called a Pap test that can find abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancer.
If these abnormal cells are found and treated early, cervical cancer can be stopped from developing.
Screening can also identify cancer at an early stage – before it can cause symptoms. If cervical cancer is caught at its earliest stage, the chance of survival is more than 85 per cent.
Cervical cancer usually has no symptoms. Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding in between periods, bleeding during/after sex or after menopause);
- Abnormal or persistent vaginal discharge; or,
- Pelvic pain, or pain during sexual intercourse.
If you experience any of these symptoms, see your health care provider.
