What is cervical cancer and
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

Cervical cancer is the cancer of the neck of the womb, called the cervix. It is caused by a long-lasting Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a common virus and everyone will get it at some point in time. There are over 100 strains, but only around 13 strains can lead to cervical cancer. It can be spread through skin-to-skin contact such as sexual activity.

As HPV is a common virus, our bodies are able to clear the infection on its own. However, high-risk HPV strains such as HPV 16 and HPV 18 may cause a persistent infection, which can lead to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a slow-progressing condition that usually takes up to 15 years to develop. This is why you can protect yourself against cervical cancer with regular screening and vaccination, as it can be cured when detected early.

About Cervical Cancer

Find out more about the relationship between cervical cancer and HPV, the symptoms of cervical cancer, treatment options and more.

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Facts about HPV

Get access to useful information about HPV and have your questions about the virus answered.

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How can I protect myself?

Cervical cancer can be prevented via HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening. When detected early, cervical cancer is more than 90% treatable in the early stages. Therefore, regular screening is encouraged as there are no signs or symptoms at the early stages of cervical cancer.

9 to 26 years old

Reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer with a HPV vaccination.

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25 to 29 years old and have ever had sex

Go for a Pap test.

The Pap test (Pap smear) looks for abnormal changes in the cervical cells and is recommended for women between 25-29 years old. At this age, most infections can be easily cleared by one's own body and doing a HPV test may lead to some unnecessary follow-up tests.

How is a Pap test done?

It is a fast and simple procedure where the doctor or nurse will gently insert an instrument into your vagina. A soft brush is then used to collect some cells from your cervix. These cells will be sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope.

How often should I get a Pap test?

If your Pap test is normal, then you would need to come back for the next cervical cancer screening in 3 years. However, if you experience any symptoms, then please consult your doctor immediately.

Women with abnormal results would have to seek guidance from your attending doctor.

You can get a Pap test done at a highly subsidised rate under our Screen for Life - National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme, or at the Singapore Cancer society.

Pap test rates for 25 to 29-year olds

$15	for Singaporeans at polyclinics
$22.50	for Permanent Residents at polyclinics
$2 or $5	for Singaporeans at CHAS GP clinics

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30 and above years old and have ever had sex

30 years old and above and have ever had sex

Go for a HPV test.

A HPV test will check if the cells collected from your cervix has the DNA (genetic material) of the high risk cancer-causing HPV strains (e.g. 16, 18). This is a more effective test compared to a Pap test. This is because while your cells may appear normal but with the presence of high risk HPV strains, the risk of your cells turning abnormal in the future is higher.

How is an HPV test done?

The cell samples for this test are collected in the same manner as the Pap test. However, your cells will be tested for the HPV genetic material (DNA) in the laboratory.

How often should I get an HPV test?

If your HPV test is normal, then you would need to come back for the next screening in 5 years. However, if you experience any symptoms, please consult your doctor immediately.

Women with abnormal results are encouraged to seek guidance from your attending doctor.

You can get a HPV test done at a highly subsidised rate under the Screen for Life – National Cervical Cancer Screening programme, or at the Singapore Cancer Society.

HPV test rates for 30-year-olds and above

$22.50	for Singaporeans at polyclinics
$33.75	for Permanent Residents at polyclinics
$2 or $5	for Singaporeans at CHAS GP clinics

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Resources

Download our pamphlet about Cervical Cancer Screening:

English | Chinese | Malay | Tamil

(2 MB)

Download our booklet to find out more on the Screen for Life programme:

English | Chinese | Malay | Tamil

(3 MB)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 | What are the signs and symptoms of early cervical cancer?

There are usually no signs and symptoms in the early stages of cervical cancer.

Q2 | Who is at risk of cervical cancer?

All women who have ever had sexual activity before are at risk. The risk increases if you:

Have a condition that leaves you with a weak immune system (e.g. lupus).
Are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive.

Q3 | How long does it take for cervical cancer to develop?

Cervical cancer is a slow-progressing condition. It usually takes up to 15 years to develop cervical cancer. This is why regular screening is important because it can be cured when detected early.

Q4 | How do I prepare myself for cervical cancer screening?

Call your CHAS GP clinic to find out if he/she provides cervical cancer screening services or book an appointment at a polyclinic of your choice.
Schedule your appointment two weeks after the start of your period.
Avoid having sexual intercourse 48 hours before the test.
Avoid using spermicides, vaginal creams, lubricant, vaginal medications or tampons 48 hours before the test.

Q5 | Will I definitely develop cervical cancer if I have a high risk HPV strain? (e.g. HPV 16 or 18)

Having a high risk HPV strain just puts you at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. This does not mean that you will definitely develop cervical cancer. In some cases, your body will clear these high risk HPV strains on its own but sometimes it does not.

When your body is unable to clear the high risk HPV strains, a persistent infection will occur and that can lead to cervical cancer. This is why it is so important to follow-up with your gynaecologist so that he/she will be able to monitor your situation closely.