Cervical

Cancer
Screening
Because you are a woman
You are precious…

Get a Cervical
Screening test…

A few awkward minutes

that could save your life
What is a Cervical
Screening Cytology test?
• It is a test to check the health of the cervix, which is the lower part of
the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina (birth canal).

• The cytology test can tell if you have normal, healthy cervical cells
or whether an infection or abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells are present.

• It is NOT a test for diagnosing cervical cancer.

Why do I need a Cytology Early detection
Test? and treatment
Getting regular Cytology tests is of cervical
the best thing you can do to:
abnormalities
• Increase early detection of
pre-invasive cervical abnormalities.
can prevent the
development of
• Provide appropriate referral
and management of detected cervical cancer.
abnormalities.

• Early treatment can prevent

most cases of cervical cancer from
developing.

• Reduce the incidence of invasive

cervical cancer.
Who should have the If you have passed
cervical screening test?
the menopause,
It is important for all women who are you still need to
sexually active and aged 21 years and
above to have a cervical screening
test. Cervical cancer is more
be tested to check
common if you are: that your cervix is
• Smoking. healthy. Ask your
• Previous infection with the human doctor for advice.
papillomavirus.

• Sexual Intercourse from an early

age.
• You have had several sexual
partners.
• You have had a sexual partner who
has had several other partners.
How often do I need to
get a Cytology test?
• A woman’s first Cytology test
should be done three (3) years
after her first vaginal intercourse,
from age 21 till 65 years old and
for 3 years interval.
You may need more
frequent testing if:
• You have a weakened immune
system because of organ
transplant, chemotherapy, or
steroid use.
What is the best time for
screening?
• Between the 10th & 14th day from
the first day of your last menstrual
cycle.

• Your mother was exposed to

diethylstilbestrol (DES) while
pregnant.

• You are HIV-positive.

What are the necessary
precautions required
prior to your screening
test?
When will I get the
results of my Cytology
test?
• It takes 2 weeks to get the results.

Many things can cause inaccurate
test results such as washing away or
hiding abnormal cells of the cervix.
So, avoid doing the following 2-3
days before your screening test:
• If the test shows that something
might be wrong it usually does not
mean you have cancer, but you
may need further tests.

• Douching.

• Using tampons.

• Using vaginal creams,

suppositories, and medicines.

• Using vaginal deodorant sprays or

powders.

• Having sexual intercourse.

My Cytology test was
"abnormal" what
happens now?
• An abnormal result usually means
that small changes have been
found in the cells on the cervix
(the neck of the womb).
• Not all abnormal results require
further investigation or treatment.
Your physician may advise to ‘wait
and see’ and then re-do the test.
• Alternatively the physician may
wish to investigate further in
which case you will be referred on
to a specialist.
Generally, Cervical
Cancer does not often
have symptoms.
However, the following
symptoms often suggest
abnormalities, so seeking
prompt medical advice is
necessary:
• Unusual vaginal bleeding at anytime.
• Unusual vaginal discharges.
• Vaginal bleeding after douching, or
pelvic examination.

It usually takes many years for

cancer of the cervix to develop. So
it is very rare, especially in women
who have regular cervical screening,
for an abnormal result to show that
cancer has already developed.
Early Detection Is Important.
Early detection of cancer improves the chances of successful treatment.

The most reliable and practical way to prevent cervical cancer is through…
CERVICAL CYTOLOGY……
Sehim Bin Hamad St.
C Ring Road, Doha, Qatar

T: +974 - 4459 3363 - 4459 3333

E: info@phcc.gov.qa
P.O.Box: 26555