Cervical cancer is preventable

Cervical cancer is an insidious illness that may develop in a woman's body unnoticed for years until symptoms develop. Estonia has one of the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in Europe. On average, 180 first cases of cervical cancer are detected in Estonia every year. Timely participation in cervical cancer screening and vaccination against HPV help prevent cervical cancer.

Women aged 30-65 are invited for cervical cancer screening in five-year intervals. In 2022, women born in 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987 and 1992 will be invited for cervical cancer screening. Participation in screening is free of charge for all (including for women without health insurance).

The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV), which spreads through skin and mucous membrane contact, including sexual contact. Infection with the papillomavirus may lead to cellular changes over a longer period of time, which can lead to precancerous conditions and cervical cancer. Various studies have found that high-risk HPV strains cause more than 85% of cervical cancer cases.

According to East Tallinn Central Hospital Gynaecologist Dr Külli Erlang, screening analyses help discover precancerous changes in cervical cells to apply timely treatment. "The sooner we discover precancerous or cancerous changes in the cervix the better the treatment results," explains Dr Erlang. A HPV test is performed as the first test of the screening and a liquid-based PAP test is prepared on the basis of the same analysis material, if needed.

You can get vaccinated to avoid cervical cancer. Vaccination does not completely eliminate the risk of developing cervical cancer; however, it reduces the risk considerably. As a preventive measure against cervical cancer, 12-year-old girls receive the HPV vaccination free of charge as part of the national vaccination plan. This prevents permanent HPV infections and the precancerous conditions and tumours caused by HPV in 85-95% of cases.

This vaccine has been used for over a decade elsewhere in the word and its effect is obvious – cervical changes caused by HPV have reduced significantly.

An appointment for cervical cancer screening can be booked in East Tallinn Central Hospital by calling 666 1900 or via the digital registration system iPatsient.ee.