Women’s Health: A Guide to Screening and HPV Vaccination

Cervical cancer screening

This screening should begin at age 25 for all women who have ever been sexually active.

For women aged 25 to 29, a Pap test is recommended every three years to monitor for abnormal cell changes of the cervix.

For women aged 30 years and above, a human papillomavirus (HPV) test is recommended every five years to identify the presence of high-risk cancer-causing HPV strains.

The transition from the Pap test to the HPV test for those over 30 reflects a shift towards identifying the root cause of most cervical cancers. While a Pap test looks for physical changes in cells, the HPV test identifies the presence of the virus itself, which provides a more sensitive and longer-term view of a woman’s risk profile.

*For women who have ever been sexually active

Breast cancer screening

Regular mammograms are important for the early detection of breast cancer.

Females aged 40 to 49 should undergo an annual mammogram, while those aged 50 to 74 should undergo a mammogram once every two years.

Early-stage breast cancer often presents no outward symptoms, such as pain or palpable lumps. Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to visualise internal breast tissue, identifying calcifications or masses that may be smaller than a grain of rice.

Detecting these anomalies early significantly broadens the range of successful treatment options available to the patient.

Colorectal cancer screening

It is recommended to start colorectal screening at 50 years old. This is conducted either through an annual faecal immunochemical test (FIT), which tests for blood in stools, or a colonoscopy once every five to 10 years.

Colorectal cancer often develops from pre-cancerous polyps that grow slowly over several years. Because these polyps often bleed only intermittently, the annual FIT is a vital and non-invasive tool for early warning.

For those requiring a more definitive look, a colonoscopy allows a physician to both identify and, in many cases, remove polyps during the same procedure, which effectively prevents the cancer from developing.

Cardiovascular and general health screening

Monitoring cardiovascular health is essential. Glucose and cholesterol screenings are recommended to begin at 40 years old.

Regular blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference measurement are recommended at least annually, starting at 18 years old. These measurements serve as the “vital signs” of your metabolic health.

High cholesterol and hypertension are often called “silent” conditions because they rarely produce symptoms until a significant cardiac event occurs. By establishing a baseline in early adulthood and monitoring these levels consistently, women can make informed lifestyle adjustments to protect their heart and vascular health.

As every individual’s health profile is unique, it is important to consult your healthcare professional to arrange the appropriate health screening that is tailored to you. Factors such as your family history, ethnic background, and personal health goals will influence the specific screening schedule your doctor recommends.

Strengthening immunity with the HPV vaccination

While health screenings aim to detect health issues early, vaccinations are effective in preventing them. The HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women.

The vaccine works by training the immune system to recognise and neutralise HPV before it can infect the cells of the reproductive tract. This creates a primary layer of defence that works silently in the background.

All females aged nine to 26 are strongly recommended to receive the HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. Depending on the age at the first dose, the vaccination series can be completed in either two or three injections over a six-month period. Administering the vaccine at a younger age typically produces a stronger immune response, ensuring robust protection as the individual enters adulthood.

Women aged 27 to 45 who were not previously vaccinated may still benefit from the Gardasil 9 (HPV9) vaccine and should consult a physician for assessment. The vaccine is most effective when administered prior to the onset of sexual activity, before exposure to the HPV types covered by the vaccine.

However, those who are already sexually active may still benefit from the vaccine as they may have yet to be exposed to the HPV types covered by the vaccine. Clinically, even if an individual has been exposed to one strain of the virus, the vaccine can still provide protection against the other high-risk strains included in the formulation, thereby reducing the cumulative risk of cancer.

It is important to note that even after vaccination, regular cervical cancer screening remains essential. The vaccine protects against approximately 70 to 90 per cent of high-risk HPV types, so continued monitoring is vital. Think of vaccination as a protective shield and screening as a regular safety check: both are necessary to ensure the most comprehensive protection possible against cervical disease.

Prioritise your health with Raffles Medical

At Raffles Medical, we are committed to supporting your health journey at every stage. We offer a comprehensive range of women’s health services, from HPV vaccinations to specialised screening packages such as the Raffles Deluxe and Executive assessments. These are designed to provide a thorough overview of your health, incorporating mammograms, pelvic ultrasounds, and cervical cancer screenings. Our multi-disciplinary approach ensures that your results are reviewed with clinical rigour, and our physicians are always available to discuss the findings and help you plan your next steps toward wellness.