Cervical Cancer Screening
Increasing number of patients in their 20s and 30s are suffering from cervical cancer. In Japan, about 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 3,000 die from it every year. Early-stage cervical cancer is often asymptomatic, and early detection through screening is important. It is recommended for those over 20 years of age to undergo a pap smear test, a type of cytological screening test for cervical cancer once every two years. This is also applied to those who have received the HPV vaccines because some cervical cancers are not caused by HPV.
◼️ Cytology/pelvic examination...The cervix is scraped, and cells are collected to check for abnormal cells. The cervix is also visually examined, and the uterus and ovaries are felt by externally touching the abdomen to search for mass lesions.
◼️ Uterine Cancer Screening Options:
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(a) Colposcopy |
This is an examination to magnify and observe the cervix. Generally, it is performed as a detailed examination when cytological diagnosis is abnormal. |
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(b) Transvaginal ultrasound |
Ultrasound is used to check for lesions in the uterus and ovaries. This is recommended for all patients, especially those who have dysmenorrhea, severe pain during or just before the period, or excessive menstruation, severe bleeding during the period. |
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(c) HPV test |
The presence or absence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is a cause of cervical cancer, is examined. If both cytological and HPV tests are normal, the screening interval can be extended. Although there is evidence in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer, this test has a higher false positive rate than cytological diagnosis. This test is recommended for those aged between 30 and 64 years because false positive due to transient infection are more common in their twenties. |
＊Uterine cancer screening is also run by your residential local government. You can receive a uterine cancer screening either free of charge or at a reduced cost at a designated medical institution. Please inquire or check the website of your local government for details.
＊Cervical cancer screening is also available at the Department of Gynecology at the University of Tokyo Health Service Center (Cytological diagnosis and transvaginal ultrasound are available at a cost of JPY 4800).
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women over 40 years of age. Although breast cancer has a high incidence rate, it is highly curable if detected early. Breast cancer screening is recommended once every two years for those over 40 years of age.
◼️ Breast cancer screening options:
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Advantage |
Disadvantage |
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(d) Mammography |
The test is proven to be effective in reducing breast cancer mortality. Effective in detecting calcifications seen in the early stages of breast cancer. Because the imaging method is consistent, it is easy to compare with previous images. |
The breast is compressed with a plate and stretched thin for imaging, which may cause pain*1. If the mammary glands are well developed, it may be difficult to detect lesions*2. Due to exposure to radiation*3 from X-rays, the procedure is not recommended for pregnant women or women who may be pregnant. |
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(e) Breast ultrasound |
Small lumps can be detected. It is easy to confirm lesions even in young women with well-developed mammary glands. There is no radiation exposure, so women who are pregnant or may be pregnant can also undergo the test. |
Not suitable for delineation of calcification. |
＊1 Since many women's breasts are tender before menstruation due to female hormones, and as the examination can be painful, we recommend that the examination is performed after menstruation, if possible.
＊2 Although there are individual differences, dense breasts tissues with well-developed mammary glands are often seen in younger patients.
＊3 The amount of radiation exposure from mammography is about 1/50th of the amount of natural radiation that an average person receives in a year.
