Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Thai women, caused by HPV (Human papilloma virus infection). This is why every woman should deeply understand this harmful virus to find ways to prevent it. Dr. Net Boonkum, Obstetrician-Gynecologist from the Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital explains…
HPV has many strains… divided into 2 main groups
Like many other viruses, there are both mild and life-threatening types… HPV virus is the same. But which strains cause cervical cancer?
- Non-severe strains: For those infected with HPV in this group, some may show no symptoms and the virus can disappear on its own over time. However, in some cases, it can cause genital warts, and if untreated, the warts may spread, which can interfere with daily life but are not life-threatening.
- Severe strains: HPV viruses in this group have the potential to cause cervical cancer, such as strains 16 and 18.
Same-sex couples are also at risk of HPV infection
Sexual intercourse is not limited to male-female only. Same-sex couples, whether female-female or male-male, can also contract the HPV virus. Dr. Net further explains that “Infection can occur even through hands that have touched the virus from genital areas and then touch the skin or genitals of another person. Therefore, HPV virus can infect both males and females. The difference is that in females, if infected, it can develop into cervical cancer. The risk group includes all sexually active women, and those who smoke or inhale cigarette smoke have an increased risk.”
Although not everyone who has sex will get HPV, the risk is as high as 50%
Dr. Net says “Out of 100 sexually active people, about 50 will contract HPV. This is why every woman should undergo cervical cancer screening. More importantly, HPV DNA Testing should be done, which examines the DNA level to detect high-risk strains that can cause cervical cancer.”
HPV DNA testing… with greater accuracy
HPV DNA TESTING is a deep DNA-level test, a biomolecular technique that can detect HPV infection before cervical cancer develops. This allows prevention and treatment of HPV before it progresses to cervical cancer. This method is highly accurate, unlike other current cervical cancer screening methods, which are less accurate.
Double the power… highly accurate, screening interval up to 5 years
“HPV DNA Testing combined with cervical cancer screening using the Thin Prep Pap Test can be considered a powerful combination for comprehensive cervical cancer screening. It is highly accurate, and if the results show no abnormalities and no high-risk HPV strains, women can be confident that their risk of cervical cancer is very low, allowing them to extend the screening interval up to 5 years.”
Dr. Net concludes “I want every woman to be vigilant in monitoring and taking care of their specialized health because cervical cancer is one of the top cancers found in Thai women and is one of the few cancers with a known cause. Therefore, we should not miss the opportunity to detect the virus before the disease develops through HPV DNA Testing, along with HPV vaccination to prevent this serious disease.” Remember, “Prevention is a worthwhile investment in health.”
Dr. Net Boonkum
Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Women’s Health Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
