Do you feel anxious when your doctor mentions the word “screening”? You’re not alone, mum. Facing the unknown, especially concerning health, can be nerve-wracking for everyone. However, it’s crucial to be brave and learn about your body’s current state – it can truly save your life. Meet Mas Azura, a mother of three and a cervical cancer survivor. Her journey highlights the importance of cervical cancer screening.
Initially scared of the discomfort of a pap smear, Mas Azura was inspired by her colleagues and doctor to get screened. Her decision not only changed her life but also ensured she could continue being there for her children.
This May, Singapore Cancer Society’s Women’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, let’s learn about cervical cancer screening and its impact on a mother’s life through Ms Azura’s story.
What ultimately inspired you to go ahead with the cervical screening, despite your initial fears?
I was very concerned about the discomfort during the pap smear. Working in a gynaecology clinic, I was inspired by my fellow colleagues and Dr Ida who pushed me to get screened. I am grateful that they did because who knows what could have happened if my cancer wasn’t detected early.
Could you share with us what went through your mind when you first heard about your diagnosis?
I have three children. I was in shock and broke down because I was so worried that I wouldn’t be around to see them grow up. It’s every mother’s greatest fear – your children growing up without you.
Now, I am more grateful than ever that I took that step to get screened.
How did you approach the topic with your husband and family? What kind of support did you find most helpful from them during this time?
It was a challenge to explain my diagnosis to other people because there is a lot of misconception when it comes to HPV and cervical cancer. I decided to involve Dr Ida in the process. We had a sit down together and she very clearly explained how HPV could have been contracted and whether or not the precancerous cells found would become cancer. She also spoke to us about our options, how we can manage my condition and what to expect. Just having her counsel was very reassuring.
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What were the misconceptions that you came across when others learned about your diagnosis?
I think the most common misconception I faced was that HPV is a sexually transmitted infection. It was really concerning because there is so much stigma around it, people assume there is only one way I could have gotten the infection when in fact, HPV is not transmitted through bodily fluids such as semen or saliva, but through skin-to-skin contact. HPV can enter the body through the mouths, lips and even from breastfeeding.
Finally, what advice would you give to women who might be hesitating to get screened?
Get vaccinated and screened regularly! Self-collection kits for HPV testing are now available at clinics so take the time to go and ask your doctor about them. Don’t prioritise everyone above your own health. Screening saved my life and it can save yours too.
Importance of Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer the 10th most common cancer in the country. Singapore has a national cervical cancer screening guideline, however, many women tend to overlook the importance of cervical cancer screening due to misconceptions surrounding the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine.
“Believing that vaccination alone provides complete protection against cervical cancer, they often forego regular screenings. However, it is crucial to emphasise that while the HPV vaccine offers significant protection against specific strains of the virus, it does not eliminate the risk of developing cervical cancer entirely,” said Dr Ida Ismail-Pratt, President of the Society of Colposcopy & Cervical Pathology Singapore (SCCPS) and committee member of the SCS Women’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month Committee.
“The reality is HPV infection, cervical pre-cancer and early stage cervical cancer do not have any symptoms. When symptoms like above are seen, these are due to late stage cervical cacner where the cancer has already spread.
That’s why it is important for women to get screened and not wait for symptoms to appear. Cervical cancer is the only women cancer that we can effectively detect at the pre-cancer stage and offer women early simple effective treatment that will not pose a major impact in their life,” she added.
Mas Azura’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-saving potential of cervical screening. By overcoming her initial fears and misconceptions, she not only protected her health but also ensured she could be there for her family.
As we observe Singapore Cancer Society’s Women’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month this May, let’s take Mas Azura’s advice to heart: get screened regularly and prioritize your health. Screening saved her life, and it could save yours too. Together, we can break the stigma and ensure a healthier future for all women. Book your free cancer screening at Singapore Cancer Society here.
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