Cervical Cancer Screening Singapore

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that causes infections in both men and women. It is a very common virus. There are about 100 types of HPV that affect different parts of the body.

It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people will get HPV at some point in their lifetime.

Crucially, virtually all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to genital infection with HPV. Additionally, HPV can also cause other cancers such as anal cancer, vaginal and vulvar caners in women , and penile cancer in men.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers today. Most cervical cancers are caused by certain strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact.

Even if you have had the HPV vaccination, it is still advisable to undergo regular cervical cancer screening if you are 25 years old and above, and have had sexual intercourse.

Types of HPV Vaccine

Prevention is always better than cure and the best way to prevent HPV infection is to get vaccinated!

There are 3 HPV vaccine on the market, namely Cervarix , Gardasil 4 and Gardasil 9.

Each vaccine protects against a different number of strains of HPV. Refer to the table below for more information.

How Much is HPV Vaccine?

Concerned about the costs?

$500 of your MediSave a year is available for vaccination with Cervarix or Gardasil 4.

Unfortunately, Gardasil 9 is not claimable at this point of time.

Are there any risks associated with the vaccination?

The vaccination has a strong safety profile. The vaccines consist of neither the live viruses or any infectious material – you cannot get HPV infection from the vaccines. The most reported adverse effects are pain and swelling at the site of injection.

Some parents are concerned that the vaccine will promote sexual activity. This is not the case. Many studies have shown that getting the HPV vaccine does not make teenagers more likely to be sexually active or start having sex at a younger age.

Most recently, a multi-year study on youth risk behaviour in the USA published in 2018 found no statistically significant difference in adolescent sexual behaviours in states with HPV vaccine legislation compared with states without the legislation.

HPV vaccines are extremely effective in preventing cervical cancer, offering over 90% protection. But they do not provide 100% coverage. Hence, you should still go for regular PAPSmear Test for Cervical Cancer Screening in Singapore. Healthsprings is one of the clinics that provide PAP smear in Singapore.

FAQ: What is the difference between pap smear, thin prep, and HPV testing in Singapore?

Traditionally, Pap smear tests in Singapore involve taking a sample of cells from the cervix, which is smeared on a glass side and then analysed under the microscope.

Thin prep is a newer laboratory analysis method, where the sample of cervical cells are transferred to a container with a preservative fluid instead of being smeared on a glass slide. This is called liquid-based cytology. It is more accurate compared to the conventional Pap smear test in Singapore.

Screening using the Pap smear and thin prep tests in Singapore needs to be repeated every 2-3 years.

In recent years, with the advent of lab testing, testing of the HPV virus DNA is possible. This is more effective at picking up pre-cancerous changes compared to the Pap smear test alone. The sample for the HPV DNA test is taken in the same way as the traditional PAP smear in Singapore, but only needs to be done every 5 years. It is the recommended screening test for women aged 30 and above.

You may consult our doctors or call to book for HPV vaccinations or PAP smear test at Healthsprings Clinics.

Orchard

Healthsprings Medical Associates

Address: 541 Orchard Road #10-02, Liat Towers Singapore 238881

Contact number: +65 6734 5260 / +65 9728 7793

Bukit Panjang

Healthsprings Medical Clinic

524A Greenridge Shopping Centre, #02-01 Jelapang Road, Singapore 671524

Contact number: +65 6892 6681 / +65 8799 8936

Woodleigh

Healthsprings Medical and Laser Clinic

105A Bidadari Park Drive #01-09, Singapore 341105

Contact number: +65 6970 7933 / +65 8338 8800