It is known that cervical cancer is a disease that is frequently encountered all over the world as well as in Turkey and that needs attention. From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Instructor Member Duygu Işıl Gencer warned within the scope of January Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. So, what are the symptoms of cervical cancer? What should be done to prevent cervical cancer? Here are all the curiosities…
“SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED VIRUS”
Stating that cervical cancer is the 3rd most common gynecological cancer in Turkey, Dr. Instructor Member Gencer said, “The cause of cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Most HPV infections are cleared by the immune system. However, if dysplastic lesions caused by high-risk oncogenic HPV types, especially HPV Type 16-18, in the cells of the cervix are not diagnosed and treated early, they progress to cervical cancer. After HPV is sexually transmitted, it settles in the cervix and causes cancer-precursor lesions called CIN1, CIN2, CIN3 in the cells there. Some types of HPV, types 6-11, cause genital warts. cervical cancer; While it is the 3rd most common gynecological cancer in Turkey, it ranks 7th among all cancer types.
“THE DISEASE STARTS IN THE 20S”
Noting that cervical cancer causes the death of 1 woman every 2 minutes in the world, Dr. Instructor Prof. Gencer said, “Cervical cancer is among the 3rd most common cancers after breast and colorectal cancer. While 4 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day in our country, 2 women die from cervical cancer. The major risk factors for this type of cancer are HPV infection, especially early sexual intercourse (before the age of 20), multiple sexual partners, polygamy (man has other spouses), high number of births, poor hygiene, low socioeconomic level. , smoking, malnutrition, especially vitamin C and A, beta carotene and folate deficiency, and other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia. Cervical cancer may not show symptoms in the early stages. The disease starts with mild cellular dysplasia in the 20s and reaches the cancer stage after the 40s. Therefore, it is necessary to start cancer screening at an early age with the PAP smear taken during the routine gynecological examination in order to catch the lesions before they reach the cancer stage.
IT IS POSSIBLE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS WITH REGULAR SCAN
Dr. Instructor Gencer, by emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis in cervical cancer, emphasized that routine controls should not be interrupted and added:
“PAP smear is the examination of the cells collected from the cervix painlessly with the help of a brush by the pathology under the microscope. Again, when combined with the HPV DNA test taken in a similar way, it is very reliable in terms of diagnosing cancer. According to the national cancer screening standards in our country, 3 years after the first sexual intercourse or at the age of 21, every 3 years between the ages of 20-30; It recommends performing a PAP smear test at 30 years or older, once a year, and at 3-year intervals in case of 3 consecutive years of negative results. Every woman in the 30-65 age group should have an HPV test along with a PAP smear, and positive cases should be re-evaluated with a PAP smear at regular intervals. Moderately advanced or cancerous lesions are more often symptomatic. These symptoms are; bleeding after intercourse, including abnormal vaginal bleeding, irregular bleeding or spotting when not at menstruation, foul-smelling discharge, weight loss, weakness, pain during intercourse, groin pain, pain in the leg, pain and bleeding during urination, pain in defecation. Definitive diagnosis is made by biopsy.
TREATMENT VARY ACCORDING TO THE STAGE OF THE DISEASE AND THE CHILD’S WISH
Stating that the most important factor in the treatment of cervical cancer is the stage of the disease, Dr. Instructor Member Gencer gave the following information:
“Another important factor when planning the treatment is whether the patient wants to have children or not. If the cancer is detected at the pre-cancerous stage or at an early stage, LEEP, conization or radical trachelectomy (removal of the local cervix) by preserving the uterus and ovaries is selected in suitable patients if there is a future child request. If the cancer is diagnosed while it is at an advanced stage, the uterus and cervix, called radical hysterectomy, are extensively removed along with the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes, which are at risk of cancer spreading. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy is also added to the treatment.”
THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO PROTECT THE DISEASE HPV VACCINE
Dr. Instructor Member Duygu Işıl Gencer said that the most effective primary protection in the prevention of this cancer is the HPV vaccine and said, “It has been shown in studies that every individual, regardless of gender, is 100% protected from cancer if the HPV vaccine is administered from the age of 11 onwards. Our children under the age of 15 receive 2 doses of the vaccine, which is now available in our country and contains 9 types of HPV; It is possible for our children over the age of 15 and individuals of all ages who are sexually active to be protected from cervical cancer when it is shot in 3 doses. Complete treatment of cervical cancer is possible with screening and early diagnosis with PAP smear and HPV DNA tests. Regular gynecological controls should not be neglected for early diagnosis. In addition to the HPV vaccine to protect against cancer, it is important to exercise regularly to strengthen the immune system, to eat healthy, not to smoke, and to be conscious in terms of protecting against sexually transmitted infections. (DHA)