What are cervical cancer and HPV? A must read! (Part 2)

In this issue, we will talk about the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. These contents are very important to you. Come and learn about them~

How to prevent cervical cancer?

1. Get the HPV vaccine

HPV is a common virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes. The most well-known are the high-risk types HPV16 and HPV18.

Studies have found that 99.7% of cervical cancer is related to HPV infection.

2. Regular inspection

The two most commonly performed tests for cervical cancer are HPV and TCT. Given the age characteristics of cervical cancer in my country, screening is recommended for young women (HPV infection is mainly related to sexual life) and older women (after the age of 60 because of decreased immunity or recurrence of latent viruses).

For female friends with normal TCT but positive HPV, it is recommended to undergo screening once a year; if the result is negative, it is recommended to undergo screening once every three years; after the age of 65, the screening frequency can be reduced under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Enhance Immunity

Currently, there is basically no specific medicine for HPV virus, and no effective antiviral method has been found. The only way to fight the virus is to improve the body's immunity. Ensure adequate sleep, a reasonable work and rest schedule, proper exercise, reduce stress, and avoid smoking.

There is no need to be overly anxious after testing positive for HPV, as our own strong immune system can eliminate the HPV virus in the body.

4. Pay attention to personal hygiene

Use condoms during sex, avoid unclean sexual life, and avoid the occurrence of vaginitis.

How to treat cervical cancer?

#1

Low-grade lesions do not necessarily require surgery, and some patients can achieve spontaneous recovery.

#2

When the cells become malignant, cervical conization should be performed. Carcinoma in situ can be treated with cervical conization. For invasive cancer, hysterectomy is generally the main treatment if there is no need for fertility.

Patients who want to preserve their fertility can undergo cervical resection and preserve the uterus if they meet the surgical indications.

Author: Gao Zhenkun, Bi Xia, Zhao Jiangxia

About the Author

Bi Xia

Bi Xia, Doctor of Medicine, Chief Physician, Master Supervisor, is currently the Director of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, and the Vice President of the School of Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Medicine and Medical Sciences. In 2010, 2018 and 2019, she was selected into the Excellent Discipline Leader and Leading Talent Training Program of the Health System of Pudong New Area. She has published 4 SCI papers and more than 30 core journal papers as the first author and corresponding author.

Professional fields: stroke rehabilitation, fracture postoperative rehabilitation, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, artificial joint perioperative rehabilitation, hand injury rehabilitation, etc.

Main academic positions: Member of the Geriatric Rehabilitation Branch of the Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association, Member of the Medical and Nursing Integration Committee of the Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association, Rehabilitation Committee Member of the Geriatric Rehabilitation Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Executive Director of the Shanghai Rehabilitation Medicine Association, Member of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Branch of the Shanghai Medical Association, Vice Chairman of the Rehabilitation Treatment Committee of the Shanghai Rehabilitation Medicine Association, Member of the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Committee of the Shanghai Rehabilitation Medicine Association, Member of the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Committee of the Shanghai Rehabilitation Medicine Association, Member of the Community Rehabilitation Committee of the Shanghai Rehabilitation Medicine Association, Member of the Sports Health and Rehabilitation Committee of the Shanghai Rehabilitation Medicine Association, Chairman of the Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Committee of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Medical Association, and other academic positions.

Funded by Shanghai Science and Technology Commission's Science Popularization Project

(Project No.: 20DZ2311100)