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.
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.
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.
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.
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
A: There are usually no signs and symptoms in the early stages of cervical cancer.
A: All women who have ever had sexual activity before are at risk. The risk increases if you: -Have a condition that leaves you with a weak immune system (e.g. lupus). -Are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive.
A:Cervical cancer is a slow-progressing condition. It usually takes up to 15 years to develop cervical cancer. This is why regular screening is important because it can be cured when detected early.
A: Yes. All women who have ever had sex sometime in their lives are at risk of cervical cancer.
A: Treatments of early-stage cancer include: Cone biopsy (colonisation), Laser surgery, Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), Cryosurgery & Hysterectomy
541 Orchard Rd, #11-01/04 Liat Towers, Singapore 238881
6836 8386
Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm.
Sun/Public holiday: Close
541 Orchard Road #10-02, Liat Towers Singapore 238881
6734 5260
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm.
Sun/Public holiday: Close
541 Orchard Road #10-01A, Liat Towers Singapore 238881
6262 3660
Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm.
Sun/Public holiday: Close
524A, Greenridge Shopping Centre, #02-01, Jelapang Road, Singapore 671524
6892 6681
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 8am to 4pm, 6pm to 9pm
Wednesday & Friday: 8am to 4pm
Saturday: 8.30am to 1 pm
Sun/Public holiday: Close
524A, Greenridge Shopping Centre, #02-02, Jelapang Road, Singapore 671524
6892 0789
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 5pm, 6pm to 9pm
Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm
Sun/Public holiday: Close
105A Bidadari Park Drive
#01-09 Singapore 341105
6970 7933
Monday to Friday: 8.30am-4pm
Saturday: 8.30am-1pm
Sun/Public holiday: Close
105A Bidadari Park Drive #01-08 Singapore 341105
6908 1033
Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 6pm
Sun/Public holiday: Close
Healthsprings was established in 2000 with its first medical clinic located at Bukit Panjang. In 2001, the company ventured into the medical aesthetic field and has been offering Lasers, Peels, Fillers, Botulinum Injections and other aesthetic services. In 2008, Healthsprings Laser and Aesthetic is opened in Orchard Road and has been known to specialise in different aesthetic procedures for the skin, face, body, and hair.
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