2024-01-14 11:50:16
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, according to statistics from the World Health Organization.
Dr. Owen Heath, a consultant gynecological oncology surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, explained that the main cause of cervical cancer lies in infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus.
He said: The good news is that cervical cancer can be prevented, and the chances of treating it are very high, especially when diagnosed in the early stages.
Heath pointed out that with the availability of vaccination against human papillomavirus and the ability to eradicate abnormal cells before cancerous lesions develop, cervical cancer may become a disease of the past for future generations.
Periodic checks
Dr. Heath stressed the importance of combining vaccination against the human papilloma virus and conducting periodic examinations with the aim of eliminating cervical cancer.
He commented: Although studies conducted in both the United Kingdom and Australia highlight the effectiveness of vaccination programs against human papillomavirus in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer and pre-cancer symptoms, there is a need to conduct more research in this context.
Regular testing is vital for individuals who may choose not to get vaccinated, or in countries where vaccination does not cover all high-risk types of the virus. In addition, cervical cancer may develop in some very rare cases without being directly related to HPV, Heath says.
Heath explained that cervical cancer may develop slowly, as pre-cancerous cells turn into cancerous cells over the years, so regular examination is important. Although health guidelines differ from one country to another, it is recommended that women undergo examinations at a frequency that is appropriate for their respective risk factors.
He pointed out that women over the age of 65 can stop undergoing regular examinations if the results of the previous examinations are normal, but given the possibility of developing cervical cancer at any age, it is important to consult a specialist doctor if symptoms of gynecological diseases appear.
Pap smear
Dr. Heath continued that the common regular examination at the present time includes a test to detect human papilloma and a cervical smear, where a sample of the cervix is analyzed to detect the presence of any high-risk subtypes of this virus. If its presence is discovered, the cells in the sample are examined to detect any defects or abnormalities in them.
Heath explained that if a high-risk type of human papilloma virus is discovered in a woman, she must carefully monitor her condition by conducting annual examinations.
He said, “The body’s immune system is usually able to get rid of the infection in most cases, but if it persists, it may cause abnormalities in the cells of the cervix, which, if left untreated, may develop into cervical cancer.”
He added, “If there is evidence of continued infection with the human papilloma virus or any deformities or anomalies in the cells, then a detailed examination of the cervix known as colposcopy must be performed, which is considered a quick and effective way to reach an accurate diagnosis of the condition. Treatment can also be started.” “Pre-cancerous areas of the cervix at the same time by resecting and removing these cells.”
Surgical resection
Dr. Heath explained that if cervical cancer is diagnosed, surgical removal of cancer cells is very successful if the cancer is detected in the early stages.
He added that procedures can be applied to preserve fertility factors at this stage, such as removing the cervix while preserving the uterus. As for advanced stages of cancer, they are treated with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
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