Did you know that cervical cancer is one of the few types of cancer that can be prevented with a vaccine? It is also one of the easiest to diagnose and has one of the highest survival rates, over 90% if detected early.
The good prognosis and scientific advances against this cancer have led the World Health Organization (WHO) to include its eradication among the 2030 goals. Today, 192 countries are actively working to see this goal achieved in less than a decade and Colombia is one of them.
In our country, it is a matter of public health, with some 5,000 cases diagnosed in 2023, according to the League Against Cancer. What is the main focus to win this battle? Prevention.
At the Astorga Oncology Clinic we are also committed to this goal. For this reason, we encourage our patients to work actively in three ways: the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent infection, ongoing check-ups along with the Parathyroid Hormone Test (PTH) and Pap smear to achieve a timely diagnosis, and unreserved access to up-to-date medical information to be able to make timely and supported decisions about your body and your health.
What is cervical cancer?
According to data from the National Cancer Institute of the United States, the survival rate for cervical cancer is 91% when it is detected early and 60% when it is diagnosed after it has spread to nearby organs.
And it is as treatable as it is common. This is because it is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a condition that almost all individuals will suffer at least once in their life. In fact, according to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, affecting mostly patients over 30 years of age.
As its name indicates, it affects the cervix, the lower part of the womb, which in turn connects to the vagina, in the female reproductive system. The disease usually develops slowly over several years, from precancerous changes in the cells of this part of the body.
There are three types of cervical cancer:
Squamous cell carcinomas: the most common, which develop mainly in the area of the exocervix.
Adenocarcinomas: originate in the glands that produce mucus in the endocervix.
Adenosquamous or mixed carcinomas: have simultaneous characteristics of the two mentioned above. This is the least common.
Some risk factors
As we have already said, the main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection by certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted mostly through sexual relations. However, not all women infected with this virus will develop the disease.
Papilloma is as common as it is ephemeral and usually disappears on its own or with treatment, but when it does not, the risk of developing into malignant tumors appears.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, two other risk factors to consider are:
Having Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) since it depresses the body's immune capacity and, therefore, makes you especially prone to this and other types of cancer.
Smoking. Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer and can cause precancerous lesions to progress more quickly to invasive cancer.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Prevention and Vaccination
Gynecological cancer prevention is the best weapon to fight the disease. The best thing is that much of what we can do to avoid it is in our hands.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these are some of the preventive measures that you can take into account:
1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine:
Ideally, women should receive the drug before they are 9 years old, before they begin their sexual life. In some countries, it is also administered to men to reduce the spread.
The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that by 2023, six types of vaccine against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are available, all of which are effective against types 16 and 18 (high risk) of the disease. In Colombia, the vaccine is applied free of charge to girls and adolescents between 9 and 17 years of age.
An important fact is that the vaccine also protects you against vaginal, vulvar and anal cancer, indicates the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
2. Diagnostic tests:
Here we are specifically referring to routine check-ups. Screening refers to the process of early detection by performing specific tests on asymptomatic women, with the aim of identifying precancerous lesions or cancer in early stages, when they are more treatable. Cervical cancer screening generally involves two types of tests:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test: Involves taking a sample of cervical cells and testing them for the presence of the virus. It can be done as a primary screening test or as an adjunct along with a Pap test.
Pap test: Involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix and nearby area (endocervix and ectocervix) and sending it to a lab for testing. The goal is to detect abnormal changes in cervical cells that could indicate the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells.
3. Use a condom:
By maintaining a healthy sexual life with safe practices and the use of barrier contraceptive methods, the chances of contracting papilloma and, therefore, of suffering from cervical cancer in the future are minimized.
4. Do not smoke or quit smoking:
As we have already said, smoking is a risk factor directly associated with almost all types of cancer, including gynecological cancer.
5. Voluntary male circumcision:
Indirectly, this is a method of preventing gynecological cancer since surgical removal of the foreskin is associated with a reduction in the risk of contracting, and therefore spreading, certain sexually transmitted infections such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Early detection: the Pap test
Just like you go to the dentist once a year, you should always take the Pap test into account as part of your routine health checks, since it is an indisputable weapon for the early detection of cervical cancer.
As we already said, it consists of taking a sample of cells to detect abnormal changes in the cervix before they become invasive cancer.
It is named after the doctor George Papanicolau, who developed it in the 1940s. It is performed using an instrument called a speculum, which opens the vagina and allows access to the cervix. Then, a brush or spatula is used to collect the cells, which are placed on a glass slide. These cells are sent to a laboratory for analysis under a microscope.
It is suggested that women begin to perform the Pap test from the age of 21 and repeat it from time to time, according to individual medical recommendations.
If your Pap test is positive, your doctor will likely first recommend a colposcopy (to get a closer look at your cervix), a biopsy (to analyze tissue), cryotherapy (to freeze precancerous cells), or a LEEP (electrosurgical removal of precancerous cells). Your specialist will guide you through the process!
Symptoms to watch for and when to consult a specialist
Although they can vary from person to person, let's now take a look at the list of common symptoms of cervical cancer:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding: This is one of the most common symptoms. It can manifest as bleeding outside of menstruation, during intercourse, or after menopause.
Pelvic pain: Some women with cervical cancer may experience pain in the pelvis, which may be persistent or intermittent. There may also be discomfort during sexual intercourse, urination, and/or bowel movements.
Abnormal vaginal discharge: Changes in the amount, color, or odor of vaginal discharge can be a sign of cervical cancer, especially if it occurs persistently.
But be careful! Remember that these signs are not determinants. If you suffer from any of these discomforts, they may be caused by other benign conditions such as vaginal infections or menstrual disorders.
That is why it is important to visit a health professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis, especially if you experience any of these symptoms persistently or that limit your quality of life.
At the Astorga Oncology Clinic we have a staff of specialists ready to receive you and answer all your questions. Schedule an appointment for a consultation and take the Pap test at our facilities.
Remember that early detection of cervical cancer can significantly improve treatment options and prognosis.
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