Cervical Cancer: 7 Essentials that all Women Should Know

• Cervical cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer amongst Thai women.
• In its early stages, cervical cancer does not usually display any symptoms. However, if a woman experiences abnormal vaginal bleeding, an extended menstrual period or vaginal bleeding after her menstrual period has finished, medical attention should be sought in order for a detailed diagnosis to be carried out.
• Cervical cancer is most often caused by certain common sexually acquired infection papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine can be administered from the age of 9 years and above. This vaccination can help to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by up to 70%.

Although cervical cancer is second to breast cancer in terms of case numbers, it remains the most deadly form of cancer amongst Thai women. One reason is because the initial stages of the disease, or the stage just before the disease takes hold, is asymptomatic. Another, is due to social stigmas surrounding female health in Thailand. There’s a lack of awareness, hence the disease has often reached its later stages, before any treatment is sought, making it incurable, and unfortunately, eventually resulting in death.

If we can increase our understanding of cervical cancer, it can help to protect women against this deadly disease.

1. Although cervical cancer can affect any woman, regardless of whether or not they have ever engaged in sexual intercourse, over 95% of cervical cancer cases are a result of contracting the HPV (Human papillomavirus). This virus is usually contracted via sexual intercourse, with a smaller fraction of cases being spread through skin contact alone. The virus is commonly found on the external area of the cervix, as well as in the vagina itself. Hence, risk factors which increase the risk of cervical cancer include sexual intercourse at a young age, frequently changing sexual partners, having numerous children, smoking, and immune system disorders, such as SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) and the HIV-positive individual.
2. Vaccinations to increase immunity to HPV before a female has engaged in sexual intercourse can be carried out between the ages of 9-26 years old. Each course of vaccination includes 3 separate injections, and can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by up to 70%. In cases where a woman has already engaged in sexual intercourse, the vaccinations can still be administered. However, the vaccine will be effective when given to women who have never previously been infected with the vaccine – specific virus.
3. Cervical cancer screening should be carried out within 3 years of a woman’s first sexual encounter, whereas for women who have never engaged in sexual intercourse, the screening should be undertaken from the age of 30 and above. Screening (ThinPrep Pap smear and HPV Testing) can take place during annual health check-ups.
4. ThinPrep Pap screening is a highly detailed form of cervical cancer screening which provides cytological analysis, just as a conventional Pap test would previously have done. Currently, ThinPrep Pap smear is carried out alongside HPV screening, which is a biomolecular technique, together providing highly accurate results. These assessments can identify any irregularities in the cells of the cervix, as well as cancer-causing strains of HPV from the outset. If the results are normal, you need not undergo further screening for up to 3 years.
5. If cervical cell abnormalities are identified before they have had the chance to develop into cancer, the condition is treatable.
6. Even after screening, there is still a risk as cervical cancer develops slowly over a long period of time, but it can be cured if found early enough. Thus, regular screening according to your doctor’s advice is essential.
7. In its early stages, cervical cancer does not usually display any symptoms. However, if a woman experiences abnormal vaginal bleeding, an extended menstrual period, or vaginal bleeding after menstrual period has finished, she should attend an appointment with a gynecologist for a definite diagnosis to be performed. If cancer progresses further, it could spread to other vital organs, resulting in bone pain, bloody urine or blood during bowel movement, or/and even acute kidney failure.