The latest data shows that cervical cancer ranks among the top five malignant tumors in terms of incidence rate among women in Hainan. As an "invisible killer" that endangers women's health, cervical cancer strikes fear into the hearts of many women. However, there are still many women who take a chance, believing that the disease is far away from them.
What are the characteristics and trends of cervical cancer incidence? How should we scientifically prevent and respond to it? Cao Ai'e, director of the Gynecology Department at Hainan Cancer Hospital, will reveal the "mystery" of cervical cancer prevention and treatment for you
Disease trend: The trend of younger onset deserves attention
Cao Ai'e explained that cervical cancer can occur in women of all ages, with cases reported in females ranging from 20 to 90 years old.
It is worth noting that although the high-incidence age group for cervical cancer is still concentrated in the 40-60 age range, there is a certain trend of younger cases. This means that young women also need to be vigilant and not take it lightly.
Vaccination: it's never too late before the age of 45
Is it still useful to vaccinate against cervical cancer for many women who have had sexual intercourse or are over 40 years old?
"It's useful. Cao Ai'e explicitly stated, 'According to our country's regulations, cervical cancer vaccines can be administered to individuals up to the age of 45. However, vaccination is not recommended for those over 45 years old. Therefore, there are still five years left for those aged 40-45, and they can still receive the vaccination.'"
Regarding vaccine selection, Cao Ai'e introduced the main differences between bivalent, tetravalent, and nonavalent vaccines: bivalent covers two high-risk viruses, tetravalent covers four, and nonavalent covers nine. It is worth noting that the most common viruses causing cervical cancer are types 16 and 18, which are covered by all three vaccines. The nonavalent vaccine includes more high-risk virus types, providing a broader protection scope.
Cao Ai'e emphasized that the optimal age for vaccination is before sexual activity, "as that is the age with the best preventive effect." Nowadays, the country has also launched a vaccination program for girls, based on this consideration. However, for women who have already had sexual activity, as long as they are under 45 years old, vaccination at any time is beneficial.
Screening recommendation: 25 years old is the starting point
"The official age for cervical cancer screening in China is for women who are 25 years old or older and have sexual activity," Cao Ai'e stated. In fact, cervical cancer screening can be performed as long as a person has sexual activity.
There are primarily two types of screening programs: single screening and combined screening. Single screening refers to HPV virus testing, while combined screening involves both HPV testing and TCT (cervical scraping). "Missed diagnoses are relatively rare in combined screening," but if financial constraints exist, single HPV screening is also the preferred method advocated by the state.
Regarding the frequency of screening, Cao Ai'e suggested: If you have never been infected with HPV virus before, it is sufficient to undergo a check-up every 2-3 years. "If you undergo dual screening, the interval may be longer, and there is no need to get tested every year."
Virus awareness: infection does not equate to cancer
Is being infected with high-risk HPV the same as having cervical cancer? Cao Ai'e said, "No, they are two different things."
Cao Ai'e explained that cervical cancer is highly correlated with HPV virus, but HPV infection does not necessarily equate to cervical cancer. After infection, one situation is transient infection, and the body's own resistance will clear it; another situation is lifelong carriage without causing cervical cancer. "So there is no need to panic or be nervous. It is not to say that having HPV virus will definitely lead to cervical cancer."
However, it should also be noted that after being infected with HPV virus, screening may need to be more frequent, and relevant examinations need to be conducted regularly. And being completely uninfected with HPV virus does not mean that one will not get cervical cancer.
Communication prevention: safety measures are key
Regarding the prevention of HPV virus, Cao Ai'e pointed out that it is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. "It is recommended not to have multiple sexual partners. If there is any doubt, wearing condoms is the best method." Of course, indirect contact may also occur when staying in hotels or public baths, but the primary route of transmission remains sexual contact.
Regarding the treatment of low-risk and high-risk HPV, low-risk viruses may cause benign lesions such as condyloma acuminatum, while high-risk viruses may lead to cervical cancer. There is no need to panic after infection. You can go to the hospital for screening, and if necessary, timely treatment can be provided. Whether it is low-risk or high-risk, there is a possibility of self-healing. "It's like a cold, and it will go away on its own after a period of time." The key lies in improving one's own immunity.
Cao Ai'e reminds women: cervical cancer is both preventable and treatable. The key lies in early vaccination, early screening, early detection, and early treatment. Scientific understanding and active prevention are essential to stay away from the threat of this "female killer".
Expert Introduction
Cao Ai'e
Chief of Gynecology
Chief Physician
Medical expertise
Specializing in the surgical management of both benign and malignant gynecological conditions, including cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, ovarian tumors, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, and intrauterine adhesions. Extensive experience is also held in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy for gynecologic malignancies such as cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and vulvar cancers. To date, over ten thousand procedures have been performed, encompassing open surgeries as well as minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and vaginal approaches.
Clinic Hours
Monday, Wednesday
The text is reproduced from "ifeng.com"