Justin Jap: The Day I Talk About POCC

POCC is short of Power Over Cervical Cancer, a movement by The Society of Colposcopy & Cervical Pathology of Singapore to help raise awareness about the disease and to reduce cervical cancer rates in our country.

Some Facts About Cervical Cancer:

1) Cervical cancer refers to cancer originating from the cervix, which is the lower part of the womb (uterus) and is often called the neck of the womb. It is the 6th most common cancer among women in Singapore and the 3rd most common gynaecological cancer. About 200 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year.

2) Before cervical cancer develops, precancerous changes occur in the cervix. These precancerous changes, which usually do not have any symptoms, can be detected by the Pap smear. Precancerous disease of the cervix is easily and effectively treated, thus preventing cervical cancer. The disease is caused by a common virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV). However, it is important to note that not every HPV infection is destined to become cervical cancer.

3) Early cervical cancer may not have any symptoms. The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding, such as between periods or after intercourse. Often there is also a smelly vaginal discharge, and in women who have had their menopause, there may be some new bleeding. Women who have had their first sexual intercourse at an early stage or who have had many sexual partners, or have partners who have had many sexual partners, have a higher-than-average risk of developing cervical cancer.

4) Smoking also increases the risk of cervical cancer.

5) Precancerous disease of the cervix and early cervical cancer can be detected by having regular Pap smears. In Singapore, this should be performed every 1-3 years in sexually active women aged 25 onwards.

6) Incidence of cervical cancer has declined significantly due to increased Pap screening. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting regular Pap smears every three years for early detection and with appropriate treatment the risk of developing cervical cancer can be greatly reduced.

7) It is now possible to prevent infection against cervical cancer through vaccination. When you are vaccinated, your body creates specific defenses against the virus so that you can be protected, should you come into contact with the virus.