Understanding Cervical Cancer: Because Prevention Is the Cure

Cervical cancer is a gynecological cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the female reproductive system where the uterus connects to the vagina. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, plays a major role in the causation apart from other risk factors such as smoking, having multiple sexual partners, and having a family history of cervical cancer. Early stages of cervical cancer are usually asymptomatic. Signs and symptoms of more-advanced cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding, inter menstrual bleeding and/or lower abdomen pain after intercourse. The most important thing to help prevent cervical cancer is to get vaccinated against HPV and have regular screening tests (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Cervical cancer: Overview

Go to source).

HPV Screening with PAP smear

A Pap smear is conventionally done to screen for cervical cancer. The test can be done on an outpatient basis. It is used to detect early changes in cells that can lead to cervical cancer. A sample of cervical cells is collected and sent for cytology to detect HPV virus strains and cell changes. In general, cervical cancer screening guidelines are:

• If you are between the ages of 21 and 29, have a Pap test every three years
• If you are between the ages of 30 and 65, have a Pap test every three years or a Pap test and HPV test every five years
• Women older than age 65, who have had normal test results for the last 10 years and are not at high risk for cervical cancer should stop screening

Women who are found to have abnormalities on screening need follow-up, diagnosis and possibly treatment, in order to prevent the development of cancer or to treat cancer at an early stage (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Understanding Cervical Cancer

Go to source).

If your cervical screening test shows you are at higher risk of precancerous cell changes, you will usually be advised to have further tests done.

HPV Vaccination: The Shield against Cervical Cancer

HPV vaccines are vaccines that protect against infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV). HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, of which majority spread through direct sexual contact. Among these, two HPV types cause genital warts, and about a dozen HPV types can cause certain types of cancer including cervical cancer.

For children and adults aged 9–26 years, HPV vaccination with Gardasil is routinely recommended at age 11 or 12 years. Vaccination can be started as early as 9 years of age. HPV vaccination is recommended for all persons up to age 26 who were not adequately vaccinated earlier.

Although the HPV vaccine is FDA approved to be given up to age 45, HPV vaccination is not recommended for all adults ages 27–45. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit because people have already been exposed to the virus (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
What is cervical cancer?

Go to source).

Cervical cancer screenings should be continued even after you’ve received the HPV vaccine. Screening for cervical cancer should continue as there are other strains of HPV that aren’t included in the vaccine. Most cervical cancers are due to HPV, but there are also rare non-HPV causes that could lead to cancer.

Because in the end it is the right information, screening and vaccination that will help us win the battle against cervical cancer.

Advertisement

References:

1. Cervical cancer: Overview - (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352501)
2. Understanding Cervical Cancer - (https://www.franciscanhealth.org/community/blog/understanding-cervical-cancer)
3. What is cervical cancer? - (https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/cervical-cancer)

Source-Medindia