The International HPV Awareness Day is on March 4th of every year, aiming to call on the public to pay attention to and know about high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its hazards, so as to eliminate diseases caused by HPV such as cervical cancer as soon as possible.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among global women, causing over 340,000 deaths each year. However, the World Health Organizations "90-70-90" target——90% of women get vaccinated against HPV before the age of 35. 70% of women receive accurate screening before the age of 45. 90% of patients with precancerous lesions receiving standardized treatment. These indicate from the side that cervical cancer is one of the "preventable" cancers.
On the occasion of the International HPV Awareness Day on March 4th, we exclusively interviewed Chief Gynecologist Cao Aie, who has been deeply engaged in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer for more than 30 years. She will unveil the mysteries of the process from HPV infection to canceration and popularize knowledge on how to prevent cervical cancer for everyone.
Cao Aie is the director of the Department of Gynecology at Hainan Cancer Hospital and an expert in the Gynecology Clinic of Hainan Chengmei Hospital.
Tip 01: Is the HPV Virus the "Prime Culprit" or a "Passing Criminal"?
The public often directly associates high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection with cervical cancer. Is it a reasonable perception?
Cao Aie: There are more than 200 subtypes of HPV, and 14 high-risk subtypes may induce cancer. Research shows that persistent HPV infection is one of the main causes of cervical cancer.
When the HPV virus enters the human body, it infects the epithelial cells of the cervix. Approximately 90% of infected people can clear the virus through their own immune system within 1-2 years. If these "invaders" cannot be cleared by the immune system for a long time, it may lead to abnormal cell proliferation, gradually developing into precancerous lesions of the cervix. If not intervened in a timely manner, it will eventually turn into cervical cancer.
Tip 02: What behaviors are prone to trigger cervical cancer?
Cao Aie: Behaviors including starting sexual life too early, having multiple sexual partners, and not ignore sexual hygiene can all increase the risk of HPV infection, thus raising the probability of developing cervical cancer.
In addition, women with low immunity, such as those who have used immunosuppressive agents for a long time or suffer from immune system diseases like AIDS, have difficulty effectively clearing the HPV virus from their bodies and are more likely to be targeted by cervical cancer.
Whats more, long-term smoking can reduce the bodys immunity level and disrupt the local micro-environment of the cervix. It is also one of the risky factors for cervical cancer.
Tip 03: How to Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Cao Aie: Vaccination against HPV is an Important Way of Preventing Cervical cancer.
HPV vaccines are consistent of bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent vaccines. Different types of vaccines can prevent different types of HPV virus infections. The bivalent vaccine mainly prevents HPV 16 and 18, and these two types are related to about 70% of cervical cancers. The quadrivalent vaccine can prevent types 16, 18, as well as 6 and 11. Types 6 and 11 are mainly related to diseases such as condyloma acuminata. The nonavalent vaccine can prevent 9 types of HPV, which can prevent about 90% of cervical cancers.
Kind Reminder
At present, the Physical Examination Center of Hainan Chengmei Hospital can provide HPV vaccines, including nonavalent (Merck), quadrivalent (Merck), and bivalent (GSK) vaccines. All women can choose the appropriate vaccine for vaccination according to their age and economic situation.
Vaccination Appointment Hotline: 18718805534
In addition to getting vaccinated against cervical cancer, regular cervical cancer screening is also essential. For women who have had sexual intercourse, screening should start at the age of 21. Women aged 21-29 are recommended to have a cervical cytology test every 3 years. For women aged 30-65, there are two screening options: one is to have a combined cervical cytology and HPV test every 5 years, and the other is to have a single cervical cytology test every 3 years. For women over 65 years old, if their previous screening results have been normal and they have no history of high-grade lesions, they can consider stopping screening.
Furthermore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle in daily life is also crucial for preventing cervical cancer. People have to pay attention to sexual hygiene. Using condoms can not only prevent pregnancy but also reduce the transmission of pathogens such as HPV. And people should keep a single sexual partner to avoid the risk of cross-infection caused by multiple sexual partners. People should also strengthen exercise, have a reasonable diet, and ensure sufficient sleep to improve own immunity and enable the body to have enough ability to resist virus invasion. At the same time, it is essential to quit smoking to reduce the damage caused by smoking to the body.
Tip 04: What are the Misconceptions in the Prevention and Treatment of Cervical Cancer?
Misconception 1: No need for Examination if there are no Symptoms.
Cao Aie: Early-stage cervical cancer usually has no symptoms. Once contact bleeding or abnormal discharge occurs, there is already a manifestation of the advanced stage. Therefore, it is recommended to have regular screenings regardless of the presence of symptoms.
Misconception 2: Is it Completely Safe if Using a Condom?
Cao Aie: The HPV virus can be transmitted through any skin-to-skin contact. Even if a condom is used, it cannot completely block the virus.
Misconception 3: Does Cervical Erosion Lead to Canceration?
Cao Aie: Cervical Ectropion is Actually a Physiological Phenomenon of Columnar epithelial Ectopy and has no Direct Connection
Cao Aie reminds that if there is intermenstrual bleeding, post-menopausal bleeding, post-coital bleeding, or watery and fetid secretions, medical attention should be sought immediately.
She also said that although cervical cancer is terrifying, through effective preventive measures, most cases of cervical cancer can be avoided. All women must attach great importance to their own health, actively take preventive measures, and have regular check-ups to stay away from the threat of cervical cancer.
Expert Introduction
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Text | Liang Shan
Editor | Huang Fei