Gynecological cancer preventable
Most cases of cervical cancer is easily prevented with the implementation of routine screening and monitoring. It also has a very high probability of cure when diagnosed early. Currently, there are vaccines that protect against the most common cause of cervical cancer.
All women are at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs more often in women over 30 years. Cervical cancer is highly preventable due to the availability of screening tests and vaccines to prevent HPV infections. When cervical cancer is detected in its early stages, the treatment options are very high and is associated with long survival and good quality of life.
The main cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can spread from person to person during sex. HPV also causes other cancers, including cancer of the vagina, vulva, anus, penis, and some head and neck cancers. At least half of sexually active people acquire HPV at some point in their lives.
In most cases, HPV goes away by itself in a period of two years and does not cause health problems. The immune system can fight off HPV naturally if the body can not eliminate HPV stays in the body for years before causing these cancers. We do not know why HPV goes away in most cases, but not all.
Screening
There are two tests that can help prevent or detect cervical cancer at early stages:
* A Pap test (or Pap smear) identifying precancerous changes in cervical cells that can develop into cancer if not treated properly.
* The HPV test identifies the virus that can cause similar cellular changes.
The Pap test is recommended for all women and can be done in your doctor or clinic. Women should start getting regular Pap tests from age 21, or within three years after the onset of sexual intercourse, whichever comes first. In addition to the Pap smear, HPV testing may also be performed, along with the Pap test for detecting cervical cancer in women age 30 and older. Can also be used to provide more information when the results of Pap tests are not clear.
If you have little income or no health insurance, can undergo the Pap test free or low cost through the National Program for Early Detection of Breast Cancer and Cervical.
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against HPV types that most often cause cervical cancer. Two HPV vaccines are licensed by the Food and Drug Administration of the USA. UU. and are recommended by the CDC. These vaccines are Cervarix ® (made by GlaxoSmithKline) and Gardasil ® (made by Merck). Both vaccines are highly effective against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers. So that both vaccines prevent cancer and precancer of the cervix in women.
The CDC recommends that all girls between 11 and 12 years of age receive three doses (shots) in one of the marks of the HPV vaccine to protect against cancer and precancer of the cervix. Gardasil ® also protects against most genital warts. Girls and young women between 13 and 26 who have not been vaccinated should receive three doses of the vaccine against HPV. The vacuous Gardasil ® is also approved for ages 9 and 18 to reduce the chance of contracting genital warts ..
Most insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccines but it is advisable to consult your insurance provider. If you do not have insurance or if insurance does not cover the cost of vaccines, the Vaccines for Children program (VFC) maybe can help. The children and youth under age 19 if enrolled in Medicaid, uninsured, or are American Indians or Alaska Natives may receive immunizations at a reduced price.
Other measures to prevent cervical cancer
The following measures can also reduce your risk of cancer of the cervix:
- Do not smoke.
- Use condoms during sex .*
- Limit the number of sexual partners.
* The HPV infection can occur in both male and genital areas in women that are covered or protected by a latex condom during sexual intercourse, as well as in areas not protected. Although it is unknown the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection has been associated with condom use a lower rate of cervical cancer.
Tags: cause of cervical cancer, Cervical Cancer, HPV Vaccine, risk of cancer, Screening
