The culprit behind cervical cancer that women should be wary of.

According to statistics, women aged 17 to 20 are at the highest risk of contracting HPV; women with a history of sexually transmitted infections such as herpes or warts also have a higher risk than the average person.

Cervical cancer is a common type of cancer among women, accounting for a significant proportion of cancers affecting the female reproductive system, ranking third after breast and ovarian cancer. It is a disease in which malignant cancer cells appear in the cervical tissue. Today, cervical cancer is a major concern for most women. Therefore, understanding this disease plays a crucial role in providing women with the knowledge and experience to protect their own health.

So what are the causes and early symptoms of cervical cancer, and are there any ways to prevent it?

Causes of cervical cancer

Experts at the Parkway Cancer Centre in Singapore explain that cervical cancer is a malignant cancer originating from the tissues of the cervix (the organ connecting the uterus and vagina). The most common type of cervical cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which results from HPV infection. Other less common types include adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, melanoma, and lymphoma, which account for less than 20% of all cervical cancer cases.

There are approximately 150 types of HPV viruses, with the most common mode of transmission being sexual intercourse. However, only about 20 types actually cause cervical cancer and other cancers such as vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and postnasal drip cancers. Of the 150 HPV types, only 13 cause cancer, with the top two, types 16 and 18, being responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases.

The path to cervical cancer often begins with an HPV infection of the cervix. If the infection doesn't clear up after a certain period, abnormal cells may appear in the inner lining of the cervix. These cells can develop precancerous, pre-invasive changes called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). If left untreated, CIN can become invasive cancer.

Scientists' research also shows that not all people infected with HPV will develop cervical cancer. In fact, the vast majority of such infections resolve on their own (up to 90% of cases).

Those who are susceptible to the disease

Experts advise that most cases of cervical cancer are associated with the presence of the HPV virus, and women who have been sexually active are at higher risk. In particular, those with multiple sexual partners or who have relationships with someone who has multiple sexual partners face a greater risk. However, women who begin unprotected sexual activity before the age of 16 are at the highest risk of developing cervical cancer.

Statistics also show that women aged 17 to 20 have the highest risk of HPV infection. Women with a history of sexually transmitted infections such as herpes or warts also have a higher risk than the average person. Women who smoke regularly may also increase their risk of HPV infection, as may those who use birth control pills for extended periods. Women with weakened immune systems also face a greater risk of infection.

Ways to prevent cervical cancer

According to Dr. Quek Swee Chong (Medical Director of the Singapore Gynecological Examination and Treatment Centre), the simplest and most effective way to prevent cervical cancer currently is still vaccination against HPV with Cervarix and Gar-dasil.

Both of these cervical cancer vaccines are certified safe by the World Health Organization. The vaccines use a hollow viral capsule injected into the body to create a "false alarm," prompting the immune system to produce antibodies against the HPV virus. Both vaccines must be administered in three doses, over six months, to girls before their first sexual encounter for maximum effectiveness.

Cervical cancer, if detected early, is completely curable. In the early stages, the disease may not show any obvious symptoms. As it progresses, patients often experience signs such as: vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between menstrual cycles, after menopause, bloody or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, or pain during intercourse.

Therefore, doctors recommend that women who have been sexually active from the age of 25 onwards should have an annual or triennial Pap smear test for cervical cancer until the age of 69.

However, even with full and timely vaccination, there is no 100% guarantee that you will not be infected with HPV or develop cervical cancer. These vaccines can only prevent certain high-risk strains, so women are advised to pay attention to symptoms and have regular screenings to detect cervical cancer early so that doctors can provide better treatment.

According to Khoeplus