What to know about cervical cancer

As January is cervical cancer awareness month, we would like to share some facts about this cancer and ways to prevent it. In fighting this common cancer affecting women, it is important to understand the disease and know what to do for prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.

Cervical cancerranks 3rd among gynecological cancers in our country. However, regular PAP smear screening and HPV vaccination appear to have reduced new cases over the past decade. Rare below age 20 and above 65, cervical cancer occurs most often in women between 20 and 50. It would therefore not be wrong to say that women of every age are at risk. Let us look more closely at this common cancer affecting all women.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most important cause of cervical cancer

HPV causes more than %90 of cervical cancers. In women, it particularly settles in the genital area and can cause genital warts. It may persist for years without symptoms and pass unknowingly from person to person through sexual activity. Both men and women can be infected. HPV causes not only cervical cancer in women but also throat, penile and anal cancers, more commonly in men.

Only certain HPV subtypes cause cancer

Among sexually active women and men, %80-90 acquire at least one HPV type at some point in their lives. However, this is not always considered an indication of cancer. More than 100 HPV subgroups are known today, only a few of which have been associated with cancer. Of HPV infections, %70-90 cause no symptoms and resolve spontaneously.

Most cervical cancers can be prevented

Viral HPV infection is known to cause more than % 90 of cervical cancer. The simplest and most effective way to fight it should therefore be preventing HPV infection. Our strongest tool is the HPV vaccine, used effectively since 2006. In women aged 9 to 26, vaccination is completed over 6 months with 3 doses. Early vaccination is important for strong immunity, so the target age is 11-12. (The same vaccine is also recommended for males to prevent head and neck, anal and penile cancers. For males, the age range is 9 to 21, with the target age again 11-12.)

Another effective preventive approach is regular PAP smear testing. This identifies abnormal changes in cervical cells before they become cancerous. Research found that most newly diagnosed cervical cancers in America occurred in women who did not have regular PAP smears. Checking HPV DNA in blood alongside smear follow-up further strengthens the result, and the two together are recommended every 5 years.

Smoking and other factors increase cervical cancer risk

Women who smoke have twice the cervical cancer risk. Smoking weakens the immune system and therefore adversely affects the body’s fight against HPV infection.

There is evidence that excess weight and prolonged oral contraceptive use increase cervical cancer.

Chlamydia trichomatis is a sexually transmitted bacterium, and research has found that it increases HPV infection 2-fold. For these sexually transmitted diseases, condom use is known to reduce HPV infection by up to %70.

Early marriage, many childbirths, beginning sexual activity young and frequent changes of sexual partners are among factors increasing cervical cancer risk.

A family history of cervical cancer suggests a possible genetically reduced resistance to HPV infection. Research has shown that having a sister or mother with cervical cancer increases disease risk 2-3-fold.

Although it may cause symptoms, there is no typical symptom enabling early cervical cancer diagnosis

It usually causes no symptoms early on but may produce complaints as it progresses. Common symptoms can include pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, painful urination, abnormal menstrual bleeding, pain or bleeding after intercourse, unusual discharge, urinary incontinence and back pain.

Genomic research into cervical cancer prevention and treatment continues

Advances in factors affecting tumor cell nourishment and suppression, and in antibody engineering for treatment, bring positive developments every day in prevention and treatment of cervical cancer and all other types.

Vaccination, condom use, regular physician checkups and PAP smear testing are regarded as the most valuable prevention and early-detection methods. Please tell your doctor if you have the symptoms described above or a family history of cervical cancer.