Prevention of cervical cancer is extremely important for women’s health, especially since this form of cancer can be prevented and cured if detected in time. What are the basic risk factors and how can we reduce them, explains the expert Doktok platform for free health consultations.
Writes: mr dr Taita Stojilković , obstetrician-gynecologist
European Prevention Week cervical cancer is celebrated in the third week of January since 2007, at the initiative and under the auspices of the European Campus Card Association (ECCA).
Recognizing the importance of this campaign, the Republic of Serbia actively participates in its celebration. The basic message to all women is that cervical cancer can be prevented. In this way, we want to convey the message about the importance of available prevention measures in order to prevent cervical cancer and death.
Cervical cancer can be prevented and cure if detected in time. Regular check-ups with a selected gynecologist, implementation of an organized screening program and a vaccination program against HPV infection are of the greatest importance in the prevention of this disease.
What do we need to know about cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor, localized in the lower part of the uterus, which occurs when some cells of the cervix change and begin to multiply uncontrollably. It most often occurs between the ages of 35 and 50. The development of this disease can be prevented by detecting early premalignant changes in the cells of the surface layer of the cervix. Some of these changes are mild, often without any symptoms and can withdraw spontaneously, but there are also those that, if not removed in time, can develop into cervical cancer over a period of several years.
Symptoms that may indicate cervical cancer:
- bleeding during and after sexual intercourse
prolonged menstrual bleeding
bleeding after menopause
increased vaginal secretion despite the applied therapy
repeated sores or damage to the cervical mucosa
pain in the lower back or leg
The presence of one or more of these symptoms may indicate the presence of cervical cancer and in no way should not be neglected, especially if they are repeated.
smokers
with a weakened immune system (HIV infection, immunosuppressive therapy)
At high risk of cervical cancer are women:
who had sexual intercourse early (before the age of 16)
who had a large number of sexual partner
-
who do not attend regular check-ups
who have been using oral contraceptives for many years
overweight
with frequent inflammation of the vagina and uterus
bleeding between periods
)
who have unprotected sex )
The basic risk factor is long-term infection with certain types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are over 100 types of HPV, of which about 40 cause genital mucosal infections in both sexes. Some of them cause changes in the surface cells of the cervix from which cervical cancer can develop over time.
In 99.7% of cases of cervical cancer there is HPV infection in the uterus, and in as many as 70% of cases the cause is some of the high-risk types of HPV (16 and 18), which have been proven to be oncogenic. Given that the main risk factor for cervical cancer is long-term infection with certain types of HPV, it is considered that the most effective measure of primary prevention against this disease is timely immunization against human papilloma virus.
Read and We researched for you – why is the HPV vaccine important?
The vaccine is also recommended in our country for children of both sexes before sexual intercourse, preferably at the age of 11 or 12. However, what is very important to point out is that immunization, no matter how safe and effective a preventive measure, does not exclude the need for regular preventive examinations, especially if we take into account that existing vaccines do not protect against all types of HPV. Cervical Cancer Prevention: How Can You Reduce Your Risk?
by going for preventive examinations and regular check-ups with a gynecologist
by applying for organized screening for cervical cancer
knowing the symptoms of this disease and going to the doctor if any of them are noticed
HPV vaccination
Examination by a gynecologist at least once a year for early detection cervical cancer should include:
colposcopy and PAPA test are two inseparable diagnostic procedures that enable the detection and grading of possible premalignant or malignant change of cervix, vagina and vulva
taking swabs from the cervix for laboratory testing for the presence of various microorganisms – viruses, bacteria, fungi, which can cause persistent infections, which is one of main risk factors for cervical changes
clinical examination to gain insight into the condition of gynecological organs
The goal of regular preventive examinations is to detect the initial changes in the cervix before the malignant disease develops. The earlier the changes are detected, the easier and more successful the treatment.
Advised by Taita Stojilković, MA, obstetrician-gynecologist
She graduated in 1988 from the Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad, and completed her specialization in gynecology and obstetrics in 1997 at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics in Novi Sad. During her specialization, she trained at Guy’s Hospital in London. In addition to her research work, she was continuously engaged in clinical work, especially with the issue of high-risk pregnancies at the Obstetrics Clinic in London, where she became the head of the day hospital. At the same time she worked in one of the most famous private hospitals in London – The Portland Hospital for Women and Children .
As part of his clinical work, he obtained a prestigious diploma from the Royal Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Diploma in Advanced Obstetric Ultrasound of RCOG (Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) ). She has worked as a lecturer and examiner in the postgraduate courses DRCOG (Diploma in Royal College in Obstetric and Gynecology) and MSc in Prenatal Genetics and Fetal Medicine. She is a member of British and international associations in the field of prenatal diagnostics and fetal medicine and a member of the GMC (General Medical Council) UK.
Since 2012 she has been working in the department pathology of pregnancy at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, where she specializes in high-risk pregnancies and expert ultrasound examinations of pregnant women. Works in Polyclinic Marić in Novi Sad. She is an active member of the platform DokTok , where You can contact her every day with your questions and concerns.
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