Dr Quek Swee Chong Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Colposcopist MBBS (Dublin), MRCOG (UK), FAMS (Singapore)
For many women, the thought of attending their first cervical cancer screening can feel intimidating. It is common to feel uncertain about what the procedure involves and whether it will be uncomfortable or invasive. These concerns are understandable, especially if it is your first experience with this type of gynaecological examination.
Cervical cancer screening plays an important role in preventive care by detecting early cellular changes before they develop into more serious conditions. Understanding what happens during the screening and how to prepare beforehand can make the experience feel far more manageable, helping you approach your appointment with greater confidence and ease.
Cervical cancer screenings are designed to detect early changes in the cells of the cervix that may develop into cancer over time. In many cases, these cellular changes often occur gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, which means many women may not realise anything is wrong without screening.
Screening typically involves tests such as a Pap smear or an HPV test. These tests help identify abnormal cervical cells or high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for most cervical cancer cases.
When abnormal changes are detected early, doctors can monitor or treat them before they progress into cervical cancer. Regular cervical screening, therefore, allows women to take a proactive approach to their long-term reproductive health.
Proper preparation can make your cervical cancer screening more comfortable and help ensure accurate results. Taking a few simple steps before your appointment can make the experience smoother, both physically and emotionally.
It is best to schedule your cervical cancer screening when you are not having your period. Menstrual blood can affect the visibility of cervical cells, which may reduce the accuracy of the test.
Scheduling at a time when you are not menstruating helps ensure that the sample collected is clear, allowing your doctor to detect any abnormal changes more reliably. This simple timing adjustment contributes to a more precise assessment of your cervix.
Before your appointment, it can help to gather any relevant medical information that may be useful for your doctor during the screening. Having these details prepared allows the consultation to proceed more smoothly and helps your doctor better understand your medical history and any potential risk factors. Some common items to take note of are:
If you have noticed symptoms such as unusual bleeding, pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal discharge, make a note of these too. Sharing this information helps your doctor better understand your medical history and any recent changes, allowing for a more accurate and informed screening assessment.
Let your doctor know if you feel anxious, have experienced discomfort during previous screenings or have any specific concerns. Open communication allows your healthcare provider to offer reassurance and adjust the examination where appropriate to help you feel more at ease.
Preparing yourself mentally and physically can reduce tension and contribute to a smoother, more manageable screening experience.
Certain products and activities can affect the quality of the sample collected and may interfere with test accuracy. To support accurate results, it is advisable to avoid the following in the 24 hours before your cervical cancer screening:
Screening is a straightforward procedure, but knowing each step in advance can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control:
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by clinic staff and asked to provide your personal information and medical history. Any previous abnormal results or cervical procedures will be noted. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions or clarify concerns.
Your healthcare provider will then explain the procedure and obtain your consent. This ensures you are fully informed about what the screening will involve. You will also be assured throughout the process.
After you provide consent, you will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on the examination couch in preparation for the assessment.
A speculum will then be gently inserted into the vagina so the cervix can be clearly seen. You may feel mild pressure or discomfort, but this usually lasts only a few seconds. If you feel pain or anxiety at any point, let your doctor know so they can adjust their approach and proceed more slowly.
During this step, your doctor will collect a small sample of cervical cells using a specialised tool. You may feel slight pressure or brief discomfort while the sample is taken, but the procedure is usually quick. The clinician will aim to perform the collection gently and efficiently to minimise discomfort.
Once the sample is taken, the speculum is removed, and your doctor will inform you when it is clear to get dressed. After that, the clinician may briefly discuss any findings or next steps if necessary.
Screening results are usually available within 2–3 weeks, depending on the clinic. They may be shared through a secure online portal, by letter, via phone call or during a follow-up consultation.
Once your results are ready, your doctor will explain what they mean, whether any further tests are needed and what follow-up care may be recommended.
Certain circumstances may require additional guidance during cervical screening. It is important to communicate your specific needs to your healthcare provider to ensure the procedure is safe and comfortable. These situations include:
If you are pregnant, adjustments to the screening procedure may be recommended depending on the stage of pregnancy. Your doctor will explain what is safe and whether timing can be adjusted to ensure both maternal and fetal health.
If you have an intrauterine device (IUD) or are using hormonal contraception, this may slightly influence how the sample is collected. Your doctor will take this into account and use an appropriate technique to ensure the sample remains suitable for accurate assessment.
If you have experienced abnormal Pap smear or HPV results, or have undergone cervical treatment such as a biopsy or treatment for pre-cancer, closer monitoring may be needed. Your doctor will recommend a schedule tailored to your history to reduce the risk of recurrence and to detect any new changes promptly.
For those who have had a hysterectomy, screening recommendations will depend on the type of surgery and the amount of cervical tissue remaining. Your doctor can guide you on whether screening is still necessary and what type of testing is appropriate.
Individuals over the age of 65 or those who have not been screened for extended periods should discuss whether continued screening is needed. Your doctor will consider prior results, potential risk and current condition to make the best recommendation.
For transgender, non-binary or intersex individuals, it may be helpful to discuss potential concerns with your doctor. This is particularly relevant if you have undergone hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as the results of the cervical screening may be affected. This conversation ensures that the screening process respects your needs and reduces anxiety.
Attending any type of medical screening for the first time can feel intimidating for many. However, understanding what the process involves and how to prepare beforehand can help reduce uncertainty, allowing many women to approach their appointment with greater clarity and confidence.
At SC Quek Gynaecology, cervical cancer screening in Singapore is guided by Dr Quek Swee Chong, a consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist and colposcopist with a specialised focus on cervical cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Dr Quek's care is centred on clear communication, patient comfort and screening recommendations tailored to your individual health needs.
If you are planning your first cervical cancer screening or have questions about cervical cancer screening preparation, contact us today to arrange a consultation.
Cervical cancer screening is generally well-tolerated by patients. It is not considered painful. However, you may feel some brief pressure or mild discomfort during the procedure.
Yes. While the HPV vaccine protects against the most common high-risk HPV types, it does not cover all strains. Regular screening remains an important way to monitor cervical health and detect any abnormal changes early.
Cervical screening is generally recommended for individuals with a cervix within the eligible age group, regardless of current sexual activity. While HPV is commonly transmitted through sexual contact, past exposure may still occur, and cervical cell changes can develop without noticeable symptoms. Regular screening helps detect changes early and supports ongoing reproductive health.
The recommended interval for screening depends on your age, previous results, and individual risk factors. Your healthcare provider will advise on the schedule that is most appropriate for you.
Our Colposcopy Specialist,
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Colposcopist
MBBS (Dublin), MRCOG (UK), FAMS (Singapore)
With vast expertise in obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Quek specialises in colposcopy, a critical procedure for the early detection of cervical cancer and its precursors. His experience encompasses diagnosing and treating cervical dysplasia and cancer, utilising advanced techniques to ensure comprehensive patient care. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to the field through clinical practice and patient education, focusing on preventive measures such as HPV vaccination and regular screenings to reduce cervical cancer incidence.