Cervical Health Awareness: Prevention And Early Detection Strategies

Most women over 30 years old often experience cervical cancer, which ranks as the fourth most common cancer worldwide and is the second most frequent malignancy in women. A family of viruses, the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is highly prevalent and spreads through sexual contact, is the leading cause of cervical cancer.

Significant obstacles to receiving care include gender-related issues, privacy concerns, limited economic access (high treatment cost and low insurance penetration), knowledge gaps and awareness, and limited access to high-quality screening, treatment, and cancer services. 

Many women are affected by this disease every year. Yet, it is still avoidable with treatment for abnormal cervix regions found during routine cervical cancer screenings and immunization against the virus that fuels the growth of cervical cancer.

Dr Pankhuri Gautam, the best Gynecologist in Jaipur, advocates cervical health awareness and education in the fight against it and guides women in prevention and early detection strategies. 

Overview Of Cervical Cancer

Cancer that begins in the cervix, the area where the uterus and vagina are connected, is cervical cancer. It forms when cells uncontrollably change and grow; these abnormal or changed cells grow and form a tumour (mass or lump). 

These cells can potentially spread to other bodily areas, known as metastasis, as they can infect and proliferate into surrounding tissues. 

Early Detection Strategies Of Cervical Cancer

The likelihood that cervical cancer and pre-cancer will be successfully treated is significantly increased by early identification. You can prevent delays in diagnosis when you are aware of its symptoms. 

Regular screening tests are the most effective strategy to detect cervical cancer early while preventing it and saving lives. Pap test and the HPV test are used to screen for cervical cancer. You can administer these tests concurrently or simultaneously.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test 

Cells taken from the cervix are used as a sample for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test. Alternatively, a sample of vaginal cells may be used for this test. The PAP test can also be combined with the HPV test. The HPV strains that are most frequently connected to cervical cancer are tested for in this specimen.

• Pap Test

The Pap smear test can be performed to identify cancerous cells, precancerous cells, inflammation, and other vaginal and cervical issues. The sample of cells collected from the cervix or vagina is stored and sent to a laboratory to examine the abnormal cells’ presence. This screening test is primarily used to detect cellular alterations in the cervix that HPV may bring on.

• Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid (VIA)

Visual inspection with acetic acid is a screening test to detect cervical cancer and is specifically helpful in areas with limited access to healthcare.

When To Opt For Screening?

In line with the global recommendations, cervical cancer screening should begin at a younger age of 25. Females experiencing HIV also require cervical cancer retesting sooner after receiving treatment and after a positive test result than females without HIV.

Prevention Of Cervical Cancer 

Cervical cancer is preventive, curable, and associated with a longer-term quality of life when detected early and treated appropriately. The HPV vaccination, regular cervical cancer screening, and adequate follow-up care when necessary could prevent almost all cervical malignancies.

HPV Vaccination 

Cervical cancer can be avoided safely and efficiently by administering HPV vaccination. There are six HPV vaccinations across the globe as of 2023, and all have been demonstrated to be efficient and safe in preventing cervical cancer and HPV infection.

Cervical cancer and other HPV-related malignancies can be effectively prevented, and females affected must be vaccinated between the ages of 9 and 14. Cervical cancer and other malignant tumours associated with HPV can be effectively controlled by HPV vaccination.

 

When you treat cervical illness, it effectively protects against cervical cancer. The screening must begin as early as age 25 for women affected by HIV.

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer may not exhibit any signs when it first appears, yet may develop symptoms as it progresses, including the following:

• Pain during intercourse or pelvic pain

• Heavier or lasting menstrual bleeding than usual

• Bloody, watery vaginal discharge

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause, between menstrual periods, or after intercourse

Surgical procedure of the malignancy is frequently the initial treatment for cervical cancer cases. Targeted treatment medications to destroy cancer cells and chemotherapy are possible options. With a strong energy beam, radiation therapy may be employed that may involve low-dose chemotherapy in addition to radiation.

Conclusion

Elevating public consciousness and providing access to resources are essential for the prevention and management of cervical cancer throughout a woman’s life. If detected early, cervical cancer is both treatable and highly preventable. With the HPV vaccine, regular cervical cancer screening, and the proper follow-up care when necessary, almost all cervical malignancies might be avoided.

Dr Pankhuri Gautam assists women in determining when to obtain screening tests and which ones are best for them while encouraging parents to get teenagers and pre-teens to receive the needed HPV vaccination. When a malignancy or pre-cancer is found, their expertise and assistance provide women with the best preventive measures, treatment options, and appropriate aftercare.