Cervical cancer, a disease that seems distant but often rings in our ears, is actually closely related to every one of us women. Globally, cervical cancer has been one of the leading cancers that threaten women's health. But the good news is that cervical cancer is more feasible for prevention, early detection, and treatment than many other types of cancer. It may come silently, but with the right knowledge, we can effectively prevent it and even defeat it.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer originates from the epithelial cells of the cervix, a narrow area that connects the uterus to the vagina and is an important part of the female reproductive system. Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the cervix proliferate abnormally and go out of control. Initially, abnormal cell growth is usually asymptomatic but can be detected with regular screening. If left untreated, these precancerous lesions can develop into aggressive cancers.
The main cause of cervical cancer
The vast majority of cervical cancer cases are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a very common virus, with more than 100 types, but only some of them are associated with cervical cancer. Although most HPV infections may clear up on their own without any treatment, some types of HPV may persist and trigger a cancerous process of cervical cells.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer often has no obvious symptoms in its early stages, which is one of the reasons why it is difficult to detect. However, as the disease progresses, patients may experience symptoms such as irregular vaginal bleeding, increased vaginal discharge, and painful intercourse. If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor for a check-up.
How to screen for cervical cancer
Cervical cancer screening is an important means of prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. The following are common cervical cancer screening methods:
1. TCT (Cervical Cytology): This is the primary screening method for cervical cancer. Doctors use a cervical brush to brush off the mucus and exfoliated cells around the cervical canal, and then place the cells in a preservation solution for liquid-based thin-film cytology. According to the degree of lesions, the diagnostic results were divided into normal cells, atypical squamous cells, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion carcinoma.
2. HPV test (human papillomavirus test): HPV virus infection is closely related to the occurrence of cervical cancer. Doctors also use a cervical brush to remove cells from the surface of the cervix and perform cytology tests to determine whether there is HPV infection. HPV testing is divided into quantitative testing and typing testing, the latter of which can detect the specific type of HPV that is infected. HPV testing is often done in conjunction with TCT.
3. Colposcopy: If there is an abnormality in TCT and HPV tests, the next step can be colposcopy. Under colposcopy, the doctor can observe the extent of the lesions on the surface of the cervix. If there are polyps or other space-occupying lesions, tissue can be taken under colposcopy for biopsy and sent for pathological examination to provide a basis for surgical treatment.
4. Cervical biopsy: Under the guidance of colposcopy, the doctor selects the suspicious cervical tissue for biopsy, and further determines whether there is cancer through pathological examination.
5. Cervical curettage: In some cases, your doctor may recommend a cervical curettage to obtain a sample of cells inside the cervical canal for examination.
Not all of the above screening methods need to be performed by everyone, and the specific screening plan should be developed by the doctor based on the individual's age, medical history, family history, and other factors. At the same time, abnormal screening results do not necessarily mean that there is cervical cancer and requires further examination and diagnosis.
It is recommended that women undergo regular cervical cancer screening to detect and treat cervical lesions early and protect their health.
How to prevent cervical cancer
1. Get vaccinated against HPV
Eligibility: Recommended for women between the ages of 9 and 45, the optimal age for vaccination is 11 to 12 years old.
Benefits: Protects against a variety of high-risk HPV infections, which are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.
2. Get regular cervical cancer screenings
Pap smear: Regularly recommended for women between the ages of 21 and 65. If the results are normal, do it every 3 years.
HPV DNA test: From the age of 30, an HPV test can be done every 5 years, or co-screening with a Pap test.
3. Practice safe sex
Use condoms: While condoms do not provide 100% protection, using condoms can reduce the spread of HPV.
Reduce the number of sexual partners: Individuals with fewer sexual partners are also less likely to be infected with HPV.
4. Quit smoking
Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including cervical cancer. Smoking reduces the immune system's resistance to HPV.
5. Eat a healthy diet and lifestyle
Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and maintaining a healthy diet can improve your body's resistance to various diseases.
Maintain a decent weight, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
6. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
Indirect smoking (which is affected by secondhand smoke) may also increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Regular medical check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential to prevent cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer, while scary, is not invincible. As long as we have the right knowledge and take the right precautions, we can effectively reduce the risk of cervical cancer.