2024-01-16 11:38:00
The third week of January marks the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, with the aim of raising awareness among the population of the importance of preventing the appearance of this disease.
In Spain, in 2023, 1,990 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed, according to estimates by the Cancer Observatory of the Spanish Association Against Cancerwhich represents approximately 3% of female tumors.
According to WHO data, 95% of cervical cancer cases are mainly caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that can affect the skin, genital area and throat.
The infection is asymptomatic, so many people who suffer from it are unaware of it and, therefore, can transmit it. In most cases, up to 90% according to data from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, the immune system eliminates HPV without treatment during the first two years. However, there are situations in which the virus persists, producing changes in the cells of the cervix and causing precancerous lesions, which, if not removed, over time, can cause cervical cancer.
Risk factors for cervical cancer include the following:
- Multiple or high-risk sexual relations.
- Sexual activity at an early age.
- Immunosuppression (people with transplants or with autoimmune diseases being treated with steroids, HIV, etc.)
- Other sexually transmitted infections: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis…
- Smoking. People who smoke or passive smoke are at greater risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Use hormonal contraceptives (because it usually involves not using barrier methods).
- Early age at first pregnancy.
- Multiple births/pregnancies.
However, cervical cancer can be prevented, and if detected early it is curable. The HPV vaccine, routine screening, and treatment with appropriate follow-up, when needed, prevent almost all cervical cancers.
Vaccination against HPV, by preventing persistent infection and the development of preneoplastic lesions, is considered the best strategy. In Aragon, the HPV vaccine is included in the childhood vaccination schedule, administered to girls and boys of 12 years of age with a schedule of 2 doses separated by 6 months. (The vaccine for men was incorporated into the vaccination schedule in 2023, so it is administered to men born on or after 01/01/2011).
The cervical cancer screening program. This program consists of performing cytology/papillomavirus tests on women between 25 and 65 years old, in order to detect precursor lesions and cervical cancer in the early stages, before symptoms develop and when it is easier. treat it. Both tests are risk-free and painless.
Using condoms helps reduce the risk of HPV transmission. However, it does not prevent transmission completely, as HPV exposure still occurs in areas that the condom does not cover. Even so, it is a very important measure to reduce the risk and prevent infection of this and other sexually transmitted diseases.
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