INTRODUCTION: Second highest cancer among woman in Malaysia.

. More than 600 women die each year across the country. Human Papillomavirus(HPV) responsible for most of the cervical cancer cases. Strains of HPV that causes 70% of cervical cancer cases are HPV 16 and 18. ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER: Starts in the cervix. Cervix is the lower part of the uterus. Cervix consists of millions of cells and is made up of those cells. Cervical cancer develops if there are some changes in the cells and is not treated. Two types of cervical cancer: a)Adenocarcinoma(ADC)-most dangerous form of disease and happens in glandular cells. b) Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)-common disease

TESTS TO DETECT CERVICAL CANCER: Pap smear is the common test which detects changes in the cervix. HPV test is a test that finds the DNA of the virus and identifies the presence of HPV before any changes have occurred in the cervix. Colposcopy is carried out if a woman have positive result for HPV 16 or 18 but negative result for Pap smear. Colposcopy is a method where the lining of the cervix is observed in detailed by using a magnifying instrument called a colposcope. Colposcope is used to examine the cells along the cervix for abnormalities. Further test is done if colposcopy detects anything unusual which is biopsy. Biopsy is carried out by taking a small sample of tissue and LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) is performed. This procedure uses electric current which will pass through a thin wire loop and is used to remove abnormal tissue. Roche HPV test is a latest test which detects the DNA of the virus especially HPV 16 and 18.

CERVICAL CANCER
Shows no symptoms until the disease is serious. Symptoms appear after the disease cover the cervix. Symptoms - bleeding in vaginal - heavier and longer menstrual bleeding - bleeding after menopause - increase in vaginal discharge - bleeding following intercourse - pelvic exam - pain during intercourse

Five types of stages of cervical cancer, according to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO): Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ Stage1: Invaded cervix but has not multiply Stage 2: Has spread to nearby areas, but not outside the pelvic area Stage 3: Has spread to the lower parts of the vagina Stage 4: Has spread to nearby organs, metastasis.