Cervical Cancer & HPV Vaccination

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Dr Christopher Ng

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

MBBS (Imperial College, UK), MMed (O&G) (S’pore), FRANZCOG (Aust-NZ), FAMS (O&G) (S’pore)

Cervical Cancer & HPV Vaccination

Cervical cancer is the 10th commonest cancer amongst women in Singapore—about 200 new cases are diagnosed yearly. The cervix (the neck of the womb) is made up of millions of tiny cells and cervical cancer occurs when these cells in the cervix undergo malignant change.

The most common cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are over 100 types of HPV viruses and 15 types lead to cervical cancer and it is these HPV types that spread through sexual contact. All sexually active persons are at risks of contracting HPV infection and it can be prevented with HPV vaccination. Many people who have HPV infections may not show any signs or symptoms, hence they may transmit the virus unknowingly.

Cervical Cancer Screening

Pap Smear

Cervical cancer screening involves a routine pap smear which is a painless test aimed at women with no cancer symptoms. Cells from the cervix are collected using a soft brush and examined microscopically for any abnormalities that could suggest cancer.

Fortunately, early precancer changes in the cervix can be easily detected long before cervical cancer develops. Once HPV infections and cervical precancer are diagnosed and treated, cervical cancer can be prevented. It is recommended for all sexually active women to have regular pap smears with their gynaecologist, so that problems can be detected early and treated before they become serious.

Colposcopy & Cervical Biopsy

Colposcopy is a minor surgical procedure in which the whole cervix is examined through a colposcope which magnifies the view and allows the abnormal cervical tissues to be highlighted clearly with special staining solutions.

The abnormal cervical areas can then be biopsied and sent for further evaluation. Treatment can be performed based on these results.

Cervical Cancer Treatment & Prevention

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) & Cone Biopsy

LEEP and cone biopsy are minor surgical procedures that involve the removal of a cylindrical or cone-shaped piece of the cervix in which abnormal cells are detected by using a heated electrical loop wire or with laser, diathermy or knife.

For LEEP, local anaesthetic or mild sedation is administered prior to the procedure. For cone biopsy, an anaesthetist will discuss with you the types of pain-relief available.

HPV Vaccination

Among the over 100 types of HPV strains, there are 15 cancer-causing types which can lead to cervical cancer. Together, HPV types 16, 18, 45 and 31 account for over 80% of cervical cancer cases in Asia Pacific. Other HPV types 33, 52 and 58 are associated with cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulvar and anus. Genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11.

Fortunately, there are safe and effective vaccines available to protect against the most common strains of HPV infections that cause the majority of cervical cancers and genital warts.

Depending on the type of HPV vaccine used, one can achieve up to 70% to 90% lifetime immunity against cervical cancer and 90 % immunity against genital warts underscoring the importance of prevention and timely vaccination. Both men and women between the age of 9 through 45 years old can receive HPV vaccination.

For maximum efficacy, the HPV vaccine should ideally be administered to one who has not commenced sexual activity yet but it is also effective in sexually active couples without prior HPV exposure. However, one may still benefit from some level of protection even if one has had HPV exposure before. This is because one may not have been exposed to other strains of HPV that the vaccine protects against.

That said, it must be noted that the HPV vaccine is not a substitute for routine regular Pap smear screening.

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From routine women’s health needs to complex medical issues, our clinic is here to support you.

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Dr Christopher Ng

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist in Singapore

Qualifications & Credentials

  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Imperial College, UK)
  • Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Singapore)
  • Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
  • Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)

Dr Christopher Ng is a dedicated obstetrician and gynaecologist with over two decades of experience. Having been educated and trained in Singapore, the UK and the US, Dr Ng brings with him a wealth of experience and medical knowledge that puts his patient’s wellbeing to the fore.

Dr Ng also complements his practice with aesthetics and has obtained Certificates of Competence in all aesthetic procedures recognised by the Singapore Medical Council Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee.

With over 30 years of dedicated service in the field of women’s health and rejuvenation, Dr Ng remains steadfast in his commitment to provide compassionate, personalised and effective care to all his patients.

More About Dr Ng

1 Orchard Boulevard, #04-03A Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649

Contact Information

Phone:+65 6733 8810
Fax:+65 6733 8850
After Office:+65 6535 8833
Email:gynaemd@singnet.com.sg

Business Hours

Mon - Friday:0900h to 1730h
Saturday:0900h to 1300h
Lunch Break:1300h to 1400h
Closed on Public Holiday and Sunday