Cervical Cancer is a dangerous disease that most women know about… but perhaps not well enough, because many women still misunderstand, thinking that having only one sexual partner, not being involved with a third or fourth person, or having no family history of cervical cancer means they will ultimately avoid cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer is ‘Not a Hereditary Disease’
Cervical cancer occurs due to abnormalities in the cells of the cervix caused by infection with the carcinogenic Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse. If not detected and treated in time, it can develop into a precancerous stage, then into cancer cells, and spread to other organs. From initial infection to cancer development may take about 10-15 years and show no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, making treatment difficult and increasing the risk of death.
Cervical Cancer ‘Can Occur Even with One Sexual Partner’
There is a misconception that those who are not at risk, who have only one sexual partner or whose husband is not unfaithful, should not have problems or get cervical cancer. However, statistics show that 50-80% of women who have ever had sexual intercourse will have a chance of contracting this infection at some point in their lives. Therefore, even having sex only once or having only one sexual partner can lead to HPV infection. It is also found that using condoms cannot prevent infection 100%, and the virus can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact!
Cervical Cancer ‘Kills 14 Women a Day’
Although cervical cancer is currently the only cancer that can be prevented through regular screening combined with vaccination, it remains a common deadly cancer among Thai women. Each year, nearly 10,000 new cases are diagnosed, with a death rate of half that number, averaging as many as 14 deaths per day. This figure has doubled from the previous statistic of 7 deaths per day, representing a 100% increase. Despite medical agencies and organizations campaigning to raise awareness among Thai women about the dangers of cervical cancer and the importance of screening, the number of deaths continues to rise. Part of the reason may be that many women still feel embarrassed and afraid to see a doctor, leading to neglect of screening and vaccination. Additionally, many women are complacent, believing they are healthy until they visit a doctor at an advanced stage.
It is clear that cervical cancer is not a distant disease but a close threat that can affect every woman. The best prevention method that all women can start doing today is to undergo cervical cancer screening regularly at least once a year, and for the best results, vaccination should be done together.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaiyos Theeraphakawong, President of the Thai Gynecologic Cancer Society
Dr. Surapong Ampanvong
