Attention to the risk of cervical cancer, which is also increasing among young people

While cervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in underdeveloped countries, it has dropped to 3rd place in developed countries thanks to screening tests and vaccinations.

Symptoms are generally not obvious in the early stages of cervical cancer.

However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

• Bleeding during the post-menopausal period or during sexual intercourse

• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse

• Persistent or intermittent pain in the pelvic region

• Foul-smelling, bloody, or colored vaginal discharge

Women who do not have routine gynecological examinations and screening tests often consult a physician with complaints of abnormal bleeding and foul-smelling discharge, and unfortunately, cervical cancer is detected in advanced stages.

In advanced-stage diseases, major surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy treatments are required, and this process is often quite exhausting for patients.

As the stage of the disease progresses, the risk of recurrence also increases. For this reason, as with every type of cancer, screening tests and early diagnosis are of great importance.

SCREENING TESTS ARE IMPORTANT

For cervical cancer screening, it is recommended to have a Pap Smear test every 3 years starting from age 21 or 3 years after the first sexual intercourse until age 30, and after age 30, a Pap Smear and high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) DNA test every 5 years.

The purpose of these screening tests is to detect pre-cancerous lesions, CIN2 and CIN3, and to remove the cervix using a procedure called LEEP or conization to include these lesions before they turn into cancer, thereby preventing cancer.

In our country, this screening test is widely performed by family health centers, Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Training Centers (KETEM), and Community Health Centers. Thus, many women are caught and treated at the pre-cancerous stage.

HPV VACCINES REDUCE CANCER RISK

The second important tool in preventing cervical cancer is HPV vaccines. HPV vaccines play an effective role in reducing the risk of cervical cancer, especially because the vast majority of cervical cancers develop due to HPV infections. The 9-valent HPV vaccine is administered in our country.

Unfortunately, this vaccine, which is included in the routine vaccination program in many countries, is not included in the routine vaccination program in our country.

It is recommended for all girls/women and men between the ages of 9-26. While 2 doses are recommended up to age 15, a total of 3 doses of vaccine are required for those aged 15 and over. One of the main duties of medicine is to prevent diseases before they occur.

For this reason, cervical cancer screening tests and HPV vaccines must be obtained.