Although cancer sounds like a serious disease, “cervical cancer” is one of the few cancers that can be prevented if all women are aware and undergo regular screening, especially during reproductive age or those who have had sexual intercourse. This is a fact you should know to protect your health and the health of your loved ones.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer that occurs in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It mostly results from infection with high-risk HPV (Human Papillomavirus) transmitted through sexual contact. More than 90% of patients are caused by infection with oncogenic HPV types, which are viruses transmitted through sexual intercourse, especially HPV types 16 and 18, which are very high risk.
Facts that many women “may not know”
- No symptoms in the early stage Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in the early stage. Many women are unaware that they are at risk until it progresses to a more severe stage.
- Having an HPV infection does not mean you will get cancer immediately The body can eliminate HPV infection in some cases, but if the virus remains in the body for too long, it may cause abnormal cells and eventually develop into cancer.
- Teenagers and working-age women are also at risk It is not only postmenopausal women. Women aged 21 and over, especially those who have had sexual intercourse, are at risk and should undergo screening.
Screening is not a distant matter
Cervical cancer screening is easy and does not take long. Doctors recommend starting screening at age 25 and repeating every 3–5 years, or more frequently if abnormalities are found, such as:
- Pap Smear to detect abnormalities in cervical cells
- HPV DNA Test to detect high-risk HPV infection
Prevention before treatment is necessary
Cervical cancer is not a distant disease. If detected early, it can be treated and prevented. You should see a doctor for further examination immediately if you have abnormal symptoms such as:
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Irregular menstruation
- Abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Chronic lower abdominal pain
HPV vaccine: the first line of defense
The HPV vaccine helps reduce the risk of infection with cancer-causing HPV strains by more than 90%. It is suitable for women and men aged 9–26 years. Medical data shows it can be administered up to age 45 and can be given even if you have had sexual intercourse. Vaccination combined with screening is the most effective prevention.
Cervical cancer is a preventable disease if detected at the precancerous stage. However, the problem is that many women often “do not realize” because this disease shows no symptoms in the early stage. Therefore, screening is essential, whether it is Pap Smear, HPV DNA Test, or HPV vaccine, all of which are effective health care measures from the start.
Dr. Thanomsiri Satitthit, a gynecologist specializing in gynecologic endoscopic surgery and gynecologic oncology at Phyathai 2 Hospital, recommends, “Regular screening is the key that helps women prevent cervical cancer before it is too late.”
Living confidently as a modern woman starts with good health. Don’t let your life be interrupted by a preventable disease. Get regular cervical cancer screenings because knowing early is the chance for treatment, and self-care is the important power that can always improve your future. Phyathai 2 Hospital is ready to care for women’s health at every stage of life with a specialized medical team and reliable technology.
Dr. Thanomsiri Satitthit
Gynecologist specializing in gynecologic endoscopic surgery and gynecologic oncology
Phyathai 2 Hospital
