Early detection a saving grace for Chloe

Posted on 20 April, 2016

For many women, visiting the doctor once every two years for a Pap test can be an uncomfortable process but for Chloe Holland, the routine visit was potentially a lifesaver.

In June last year, the Palmerston resident’s Pap test showed abnormal cells which, if left untreated, could have become pre-cancerous.

“I got the call from my doctor on a Friday afternoon saying that they’d found changes in the cells and it required some action,” says Chloe.

“I freaked out a bit at first, but she was very helpful and said upfront that it wasn’t cancer, which was reassuring.”

After being referred to a gynaecologist, Chloe had a colposcopy, which is used to look more closely at the abnormal areas on the cervix and is a simple procedure, not unlike the Pap test.

The results showed a grade 2 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)—changes in cells which, if left untreated, could cause cancer.

To remove the changed cells, Chloe had a 10-20 minute procedure performed under local anesthetic.

Doctors say having Pap tests on time was a key factor in detecting the abnormal cells early.

“Since I’ve been sexually active I’ve had a Pap test every two years – it’s never something I delay,” says Chloe.

“I know of some women who have never had one, or haven’t had them regularly, and that always stuck in my mind because it’s just not worth risking your health for, if it’s only five minutes of discomfort every couple of years – particularly now knowing that if I didn’t go every two years, it could have become something much more serious.

“I’m just really relieved that they were able to detect the cells early – it’s good to have that peace of mind.”

“I’m just really relieved that they were able to detect the cells early,” says Chloe.

Chloe was vaccinated with the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine that protects women from two out of 15 strains of HPV—the strains responsible for about 80 per cent of all cervical cancers. The vaccine—whilst effective against the majority of cervical cancers—doesn’t guarantee protection from all cervical cancers, and has reinforced to Chloe the importance of regular screening.

Dr Clare Holberton of Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT in Civic says receiving abnormal results from Pap tests is more common than women think.

“Many women are anxious when they get a call but the vast majority are precautionary follow-ups that need to be addressed,” says Dr Holberton.

“That’s why keeping up with those two yearly routine Pap tests is so important.

“By having those tests every two years, women substantially reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Early detection dramatically improves the likelihood of successful treatment.”

For more information on cervical screening (Pap tests), visit the ACT Cervical Screening Program website at health.act.gov.au/cervicalscreening or phone 13 15 56.

Images: Shutterstock 

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