Cervical Screening Programme
Department of Health
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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You should have a cervical smear starting from the age of 25 and if this
smear result is normal, have a second one 12 months later. If the second
test is also normal, you should have repeat smears at least every 3 years
(i.e. 1,1,3-yearly smear cycle). Overseas studies show that screening
every 3 years will protect you against cervical cancer. [image ] Abnormal cervical cells usually take around 5-10 years to develop into
cancer. Therefore, screening at 3-yearly interval is frequent enough to
pick up changes before they become serious. The International Agency for
Cancer Investigation obtained data from cervical programme in developed
countries and found that the benefits of annual screening over 3-yearly
screening are negligible, but the costs are considerably higher. On the
other hand, screening at interval longer than 3 years is not effective
enough to prevent cervical cancer. Effectiveness of different cervical cancer screening programme: (Source: BMJ 1986; 293: 659-64) You should avoid having a cervical smear during your period. If you have
any problems, like vaginal bleeding or pain, don't wait until your next
cervical smear. See a doctor straight away, even if your last cervical
smear was normal
Interval between screening
Reduction in cumulative incidence
1 year
93.5%
2 years
92.5%
3 years
90.8%
5 years
83.6%
10 years
64.1%
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