Cervical cancer: a critical defence to the health of women

Cervical cancer, as one of the malignant tumours that pose a serious threat to women ‘ s health, cannot be underestimated globally. Cervical cancer, however, is also the only cancer with clear and preventable causes. Effective preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of morbidity and protect women ‘ s health. I. Awareness of the causes of cervical cancer: HPV infection is the key human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, especially the high-risk type of HPV infection, and the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is an extremely common virus, transmitted mainly through sexual contact. Most women may become HPV infected in their lifetime, but often the human immune system is able to remove the virus itself. However, when high-risk HPVs continue to infect cervix cells, they can cause cervix changes and, if not detected and treated in a timely manner, can gradually develop into cervical cancer. The most common high-risk types of HPV are 16, 18, 31, 33 and 45, with HPV 16 and 18 leading to approximately 70 per cent of cervical cancer. Second level of prevention: vaccination is the first line of defence. There are two, four and nine HPV vaccines on the market. Two-valent vaccines are aimed primarily at HPV16 and 18, which effectively prevent approximately 70 per cent of cervical cancer; four-valent vaccines, in addition to 16 and 18, also have a preventive effect on HPV6 and 11, which can reduce the incidence of such diseases as sharp hysteres; and nine-valent vaccines, which cover additional high-risk types such as 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, which prevent approximately 90 per cent of cervical cancer. The appropriate population for vaccinations: the D2 vaccine is for women aged 9-45; the D4 vaccine is for women aged 9-45; the N9 vaccine is for women aged 16-26. It is important to note that even HPV vaccinations are not a complete substitute for cervical cancer screening, as vaccines do not prevent all HPV infections at high risk. Thirdly, secondary prevention: regular screening for early detection of early treatment. Regular screening for cervical cancer can detect problems at pre-cancer or early cervical cancer, at which point there is a high rate of cure through timely treatment. 1. Screening methods • Cervical cytology (TCT): Observation of cell morphology under microscopes by taking cells from the cervix surface to determine if there are anomalies. This is a common and effective screening method, which detects pre-cancer and early cervical cancer. • HPV testing: test for high-risk HPV. HPV testing, combined with TCT applications, can improve the accuracy of cervical cancer screening. When HPV tests positive and TCT abnormality, further vaginal and pathological biopsies are required. 2. Screening time • Women under 21 years of age are not recommended for screening because of the very low risk of cervical cancer. Women aged 21 – 29, recommended TCT inspections every three years. • Women aged 30 – 65 are recommended for joint TCT and HPV testing every five years; a TCT examination may also be selected every three years. • Women over 65 years of age can stop screening if the results are normal and no high-risk factors are present. In addition, women with high-risk factors such as premature sexual life, multiple sexual partners, low immunization and tobacco use need to be properly screened more frequently or to begin screening earlier. 1. Safe sex: The correct use of condoms can reduce the risk of HPV infection to a certain extent, and while condoms do not completely disrupt the spread of HPV, they can reduce the incidence of other sexually transmitted diseases to the benefit of women ‘ s health. At the same time, avoiding early sexual initiation and reducing the number of sexual partners all contribute to reducing the risk of cervical cancer. 2. Stop smoking: Tobacco use is one of the risk factors for cervical cancer, and harmful substances in tobacco can reduce human immunity and make cervical cells more vulnerable to HPV infection and disease. Women ‘ s cessation of smoking not only contributes to their health, but also to the family and the surrounding environment. 3. Immunisation: Maintenance of good living habits, such as balanced diets and intake of food rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins; moderate exercise, with a minimum of 150 minutes of aerobics per week, such as runaways, jogging, swimming, etc.; regularity and adequate sleep, all contribute to enhancing the body ‘ s immunity, making it better to remove HPV infections and prevent cervical cancer. Cervical cancer prevention requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, from vaccination to regular screening to healthy lifestyles. Female friends should raise awareness of the prevention of cervical cancer, take proactive preventive measures and conduct regular gynaecological examinations so that early prevention, early detection and early treatment are carried out, so as to avoid the threat of cervical cancer and embrace a healthy and better life.