How much do you know about cervical cancer prevention?

Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy. Fortunately, cervical cancer is the only cancer with a clear cause and can be prevented. So let's start from the perspective of cervical cancer prevention and talk about what knowledge is there about cervical cancer prevention?

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1. What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer refers to a malignant tumor that occurs in the epithelial tissue of the female cervix. It is mainly caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical lesions, so it is an infectious disease.

2. Symptoms of cervical cancer

2.1 Vaginal bleeding

Early cervical cancer often manifests as contact bleeding, that is, vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse or gynecological examination. It can also manifest as abnormal bleeding during menstruation, bleeding after menstruation, bleeding after sexual intercourse, and bleeding after menopause. These bleedings may be intermittent or continuous, and the color may be bright red or dark red. If you have vaginal bleeding outside of your period or after menopause, you should seek medical attention immediately.

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2.2 Abnormal vaginal discharge

Cervical cancer can also cause an unusual vaginal discharge. This discharge may have an odor, an unusual color (such as yellow, green, or blood-tinged), or an unusual texture (such as thick or thin). If you notice a change in your vaginal discharge, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms, it's recommended that you see your doctor.

2.3 Late symptoms: pelvic pain

Cervical cancer may cause pelvic pain. This pain may come and go or be constant. The intensity and location of the pain may vary from person to person, but if you experience pelvic pain along with other symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge, consult your doctor.

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3. Causes of cervical cancer

3.1 Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

Cervical cancer is mainly caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus with multiple subtypes, of which high-risk HPV16 and HPV18 are the most common subtypes that cause cervical cancer. These viruses are transmitted through sexual contact and can remain dormant in the body for a long time after infection. In most people, HPV infection will clear up on its own, but in a small number of people, the virus can cause cervical cells to become abnormal and eventually develop into cervical cancer.

3.2 Other reasons

In addition to HPV infection, other factors may also increase the risk of cervical cancer. Long-term use of oral contraceptives, multiple sexual partners, early marriage, multiple pregnancies and childbirths, and immune system suppression are all associated with the development of cervical cancer. Smoking is also an important risk factor, and studies have shown that smokers have twice the risk of cervical cancer than non-smokers.

4. How to prevent cervical cancer ( tertiary prevention )

4.1 Primary prevention: health education and HPV vaccination

(1) HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. It can also be transmitted through inadequate hand hygiene, sexual hygiene, and environmental hygiene, or contact with HPV-infected dirt. At the same time, premature sexual activity (below 16 years old), multiple sexual partners, unclean sexual behavior, multiple births, smoking and drug abuse are all important factors for HPV infection. Be careful to avoid them.

(2) HPV vaccination can effectively prevent infection and reduce the risk of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination is suitable for women aged 9 to 45 years old. The best time to vaccinate is before puberty, and women aged 9 to 15 years old are the key population. In addition, HPV vaccination can also prevent other HPV-related diseases, such as vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and anal cancer.

(3) How to choose a vaccine:

Bivalent vaccine: 9-45 years old, mainly targeting high-risk HPV16 and HPV18, preventing 70% of cervical cancer;

Quadrivalent vaccine: 20-45 years old, mainly targeting high-risk HPV16, HPV18, low-risk HPV6, HPV11, can prevent 70% of cervical cancer and 90% of genital warts;

Nine-valent vaccine: 16-26 years old, mainly targeting high-risk HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, HPV33, HPV45, HPV52, HPV58, and low-risk types: HPV6, HPV11, which can prevent 90% of cervical cancer, 90% of genital warts, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer and anal cancer.

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4.2 Secondary prevention: cervical cancer screening

Regular cervical cancer screening should be performed, including cytology, HPV nucleic acid testing, and cytology and HPV combined testing.

(1) Women under 25 years old: Routine cervical cancer screening is not recommended, but early screening and shortened intervals are recommended for high-risk groups;

(2) Women aged 25 to 64 years: HPV nucleic acid testing every 5 years, or combined screening (HPV and cytology), or cytology every 3 years;

(3) Women aged ≥65 years: Those with sufficient negative records in the past can stop the examination, but those who have never been screened or have clinical indications should still undergo cervical screening;

(4) After receiving the HPV vaccine, some people are still at risk and therefore need to be screened.

4.3 Tertiary prevention: timely and effective treatment to prevent disease progression

If abnormalities are found after screening, further colposcopy and cervical biopsy will be performed to diagnose cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or early cervical cancer and provide timely treatment to prevent disease progression. Even if the disease is not confirmed until the middle or late stages, active treatment can be used to prolong life and improve quality of life.

Summary: Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy and is very harmful, but its cause is clear and it is preventable and treatable. Therefore, in our daily lives, we can prevent cervical cancer through the above measures to ensure women's reproductive health and improve their quality of life.

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