Cervical cancer screening

The source of infection is another person infected with the papillomavirus. Human papillomavirus infection may cause changes in cells that may develop into precancerous conditions and cervical cancer.

Cell changes develop over a longer period of time. The process usually takes time and may take up to 10–25 years. Participating in the screening helps to detect possible cell changes and precancerous conditions in time, that these can be treated so actual cancer will not develop.

Cervical cancer is not hereditary. All women of all ages can develop cervical cancer. In Estonia, the prevalence and mortality of cervical cancer is one of the highest in Europe.

Why should you participate in the screening?

• Cervical cancer screening searches for precancerous conditions, which means that the screening enables to prevent cancer.
• Free and easily accessible: in Estonia, cervical cancer screening is free for women in the target group, including for the uninsured, and screening is performed in various health care facilities all over the country. By participating in the screening you demonstrate that you care about your health.
• It is important to participate in the screening even if you do not have any signs or symptoms. In case of early detection, it is possible to fully recover from the disease.

How to participate in cervical cancer screening?

You can participate in the screening in the following ways: .

• Schedule an appointment in Elite Clinic`s digital health booking system.
• Phone us and tell that you wish to book a screening appointment.

Who are invited to cervical cancer screening?

In Estonia, women aged 30–65 are invited to cervical cancer screening every five years. Screening tests are free for all insured and uninsured women who belong to the screening test target group for a given year. Women who have not been sexually active or whose last intercourse was many years ago are still invited to a screening, as it may take decades for the viral infection to develop into cancer.

Screening invitation

The Cancer Screening Registry will send a personal invitation to women in the target group.

Women whose year of birth is part of the screening target group and whose place of residence is the Republic of Estonia at the time of generating the screening invitation/referral are invited to a screening.

Invitations to screenings are sent electronically, using the notification service of eesti.ee. An e-invitation will be sent to persons in the screening target group whose eesti.ee email address has been redirected to their personal email address or entered in the population register.

If there is no data on the redirection of emails in the Cancer Screening Registry, a paper invitation will be sent to the address entered in the population register. If data in the population register is inaccurate, the invitation may not reach the recipient.

Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a medical procedure used to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of disease. It involves using a special magnifying device called a colposcope to get a detailed view of these areas, allowing healthcare providers to identify any abnormal cells or conditions.

Insertion of intrauterine device

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of birth control that a healthcare provider inserts into your uterus.

To insert your intrauterine device, your healthcare provider will:

• Clean your cervix with an antibacterial solution
• Use a plastic insertion tube to guide the IUD through your vagina and cervix, and slide it into your uterus
• Use a slider, on the insertion tube, to push the device into your uterus

Your provider might advise you to take a pain management medication an hour before your scheduled IUD insertion.

An IUD insertion is usually a quick procedure you can have at a provider’s office. Many people will only experience mild discomfort, but others can experience more pain. Talk to your provider about any anxiety you may have regarding the procedure and ask about strategies they recommend to relieve any pain.

Before the insertion of the device, a gynaecologist appointment is required.