Cervical cancer is not scary! This article will help you unlock the secrets of this "female killer"

On October 20, 2002, my country's outstanding actress Li Yuanyuan died of illness in Beijing, leaving behind a one-year-old son and countless audiences who missed her.

On December 30, 2003, Hong Kong superstar Anita Mui passed away due to cervical cancer and liver and lung failure, which is a pity.

These tragedies not only make us feel deeply sorry, but also remind us to pay attention to women's health, especially cervical cancer , the invisible killer.

According to a 2018 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), about 13 people out of every 100,000 people worldwide suffer from cervical cancer, and about 7 people out of every 100,000 die from it. Although the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer have shown a downward trend worldwide in recent years due to the popularization of health education and the promotion of HPV vaccination, it is worth noting that the average age of new cervical cancer cases is gradually decreasing, and the trend of younger age is becoming more and more obvious.

1. What is cervical cancer?

Experts from Changde Fourth People's Hospital said that cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the epithelial tissue of the cervix, and its occurrence is closely related to persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).

According to statistics, about 99% of cervical cancer cases are related to HPV infection. Cervical cancer usually has no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, patients may experience symptoms such as bleeding after intercourse, irregular vaginal bleeding, and vaginal discharge. The appearance of these symptoms often means that the disease has developed to a certain stage, so early screening and diagnosis are crucial.

2. Detection methods for cervical cancer

1. Cervical cytology and HPV testing: This is the most commonly used method for cervical cancer screening. The doctor will use a speculum to open the vagina and use a small brush-like sampler to obtain cell samples from the cervix, which will then be sent to a pathologist for cell diagnosis and HPV testing. This test can detect cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer cells.

2. Colposcopy: When the cytology test shows abnormalities or the doctor deems it necessary, a colposcopy can be performed. The colposcopy has the function of magnification and image retention, which can further detect cervical lesions. Before a colposcopy, you need to avoid sexual intercourse, vaginal douching and medication to avoid affecting the test results.

3. Cervical biopsy: This is the gold standard for diagnosing cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. The doctor will determine the abnormal area under the colposcope and take tissue samples to the pathology department for histological diagnosis. Before the cervical biopsy, it is also necessary to avoid sexual intercourse and avoid the menstrual period and the acute cervical inflammation period.

4. Imaging examination: If necessary, vaginal ultrasound, CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PET-CT and other imaging examinations can be performed. These examinations help determine the size, location and invasion range of the tumor, and further understand whether the tumor has metastasized and where it has metastasized.

5. Serum tumor marker examination: Tumor markers of cervical cancer usually include serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1). In addition, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen markers (CA199, CA125) and other tests can also be performed. These tests are helpful for the diagnosis and follow-up of cervical cancer.

3. High risk factors for cervical cancer

The occurrence of cervical cancer is related to many factors, among which HPV infection is the most important factor.

People who start sexual life too early, have multiple sexual partners, or whose sexual partners have other sexual partners are more likely to be infected with HPV. In addition, smoking, HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) or other diseases that cause low immune function, and having more children too often can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

4. Preventive measures for cervical cancer

1. Regular screening: Regular medical visits for cervical cytology and HPV examinations are key to preventing cervical cancer. Early detection of precancerous lesions and intervention treatment can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer.

2. Get the HPV vaccine: The HPV vaccine protects the body against the most common HPV virus types that cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. It is recommended for adolescents (boys and girls) aged 9 to 26 years. Depending on age and vaccine type, two or three doses are given sequentially. But please note that even if you have received the HPV vaccine, you still need to undergo regular cervical cytology screening.

3. Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the high-risk factors for cervical cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

4. Use condoms: Using condoms throughout sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of HPV infection.

5. Limit the number of sexual partners

Cervical cancer is not terrible. As long as we pay enough attention to it and take effective preventive measures, we can reduce its morbidity and mortality. I hope that women can pay attention to their own health, regularly undergo cervical cancer screening and get HPV vaccines, and jointly protect the flower of our life.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Du Chentong, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changde Fourth People's Hospital

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(Edited by ZS)