Ways to help prevent cervical cancer

As early as age 10, one can already acquire the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus affecting one out of 10 people worldwide, or approximately 630 million people.

When left untreated, certain types of HPV may lead to cervical cancer, the second most common form of cancer worldwide, with almost 600 women dying each day.

In the Philippines, 4,349 women had died of cervical cancer, out of the 6,000 new cases reported in 2002 alone, according to pharmaceutical firm Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD).

At a briefing hosted by MSD, Dr. Efren Domingo, president-elect of the research organization Asia Oceania Genital Infection and Neoplasia Philippine chapter, explained that most women suffering from cervical cancer have probably acquired or been exposed to a high-risk type of HPV when they were still in their teens.

In an interview, Dr. Domingo said however that most women show signs of cervical cancer only by age 30-35 and this becomes even more prevalent at age 40-49.

“It takes a while before the tumor fully develops and generates into cancer,” Domingo added.
Contrary to common beliefs, cervical cancer, a serious life-threatening condition is not hereditary. Rather, it is caused by certain types of HPV—particularly types 16 and 18—that women may acquire in their teens just when their body is developing, Dr. Domingo said.
How cervical cancer develops

Cervical cancer develops when these abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix start to multiply out of control. Cervix is the part of the uterus that connects the upper part of the uterus (womb) and the vagina.

The transition from abnormal cell growth due to HPV to cervical cancer often takes a number of years, although in rare cases, it can happen within a year, MSD said.

According to MSD, there are more than 100 types of HPV, affecting both men and women. Most types of HPV do not cause any symptoms, are harmless and go away on their own in 1-2 years through the body’s natural immune response.

While HPVs are usually transmitted through sexual activity, MSD claimed that new studies are now emerging, citing new sources and new ways of acquiring certain strains of HPV.
It further explained that low risk HPV types can cause the formation of genital warts, fleshy, noncancerous growths that appear on or around the genitals. There are, however, 30 types of HPV affecting the genital area that can possibly lead to cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers.
Domingo explained that once these types of HPV are left untreated and the immune system does not clear the infection, abnormal cells may begin to grow and develop into precancerous lesions. He added that most often than not it takes a number of years before it develops into cancer.

Symptoms

While highly preventable, cervical cancer like other forms of cancer usually has no early symptoms which make it all the more difficult to detect. More often than not cervical cancer is discovered at a more advance stage, Domingo noted.

According to him, the most common symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, increased vaginal discharge usually whitish to yellowish in color, pelvic pain and pain during sexual intercourse.

MSD also warned that precancerous changes and early cancers of the cervix do not generally cause pain or other symptoms and thus, it is essential to get regular pap screenings to detect cancers at a stage when they can be treated most effectively.

Domingo echoed MSD’s warning that only pap smear can detect possible signs of cervical cancer. He stressed that once a person gets sexually active, she should start getting pap smear tests a year after.

Studies have proven that pap smear had significantly reduced cervical cancer deaths. However, like any other medical tests pap smears aren’t perfect, he added.

Cancer prevention

Another way to help prevent cervical cancer is through MSD’s cervical cancer vaccine called Gardasil.

Recently, MSD launched its cervical cancer prevention advocacy dubbed “Everything I Can,” which is aimed at encouraging mothers and young women to do everything they can to prevent cervical cancer.

They are encouraged to understand the risks of acquiring HPV and to visit their OB-gynecologists and/or their daughter’s pediatrician to discuss ways on how to help prevent cervical cancer. ( Tess S. Samaniego; INQ.net)