January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month; it is to encourage women to be more attentive to their cervical health and about the benefits of detection at early stage, when there are no symptoms and get access to the best treatment.
Cervical health is one aspect of health that many women neglect throughout their lives. Cancers diagnosed in late stages can also be controlled with appropriate treatment and palliative care. With a comprehensive approach to prevent, screen and treat, we can end cervical cancer as a public health problem within a few generations is the theme for 2023
GET INFORMED
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Cervical cancer develops in a women’s cervix which is the entrance to the uterus from the vagina. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by this virus (HPV); in fact, the virus is found in about 99 percent of cervical cancers. Commonest strain is type 16 and 18, other types involved in cervical changes include 31, 33, 51, 53, 35 etc.
More than 150 types of HPV have been described and many do not cause problems. HPV infections usually clear up without any intervention within a few months after acquisition, and about 90% clear within 2 years. A small proportion of infections with certain types of HPV can persist and progress to cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer can be a “silent killer.” It tends to be asymptomatic in the early stages, with the most common signs of the disease, such as abnormal bleeding or discharge between menstrual cycles or after intercourse, weight loss, fatigue or swelling in the legs not appearing until the cancer has progressed.
Women should get more familiar with the benefits of lifestyle changes and the importance of those fruits and vegetables that are rich in folate and vitamin A to prevent cervical cancer. Nuts like hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, and green leafy vegetables including broccoli and spinach are beneficial for cervical health.
GET SCREENED
Screening for HPV is very important in the prevention and management of ca cervix Screening is usually done with Pap smear sampling and typically begins once they are sexually active. Recently, highly specific HPV DNA tests have been developed for the detection of HPV in cervical /vaginal preparations
Early intercourse (age at first coitus, <20yrs
Early marriage
Multiple child births
Frequent change of partners (promiscuity and prostitution)
Having a male partner with multiple sexual partners
Family history
Smoking
Low socioeconomic status
Long term COCP use
Low immunity
Age :30-39 and 60-69 years, mean age= 51.
GET VACCINATED
Although H.P.V. vaccination prevents new H.P.V. infections, it does not treat existing ones. These vaccines are most effective when taken before exposure to H.P.V; therefore, regular screening is the best way to prevent cervical cancer.
HPV Vaccine
● HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years but can be given starting at age 9.
● HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years if they are not vaccinated already.
● HPV vaccination for adults’ age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with the doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV.
● advancing the three key pillars of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative: Vaccination: 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15 years;
● Screening: 70% of women screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35 years, and again by the age of 45 years;
● Treatment: 90% of women with precancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed.
Each country should meet the 90–70–90 targets by 2030 to get on the path towards eliminating cervical cancer by the end of this century.
