Nghe An Reproductive Health Center applies modern methods to screen for cervical cancer

(Baonghean) - In recent times, Nghe An Reproductive Health Care Center (CSSKSS) has implemented effective cervical cancer screening. Since 2016, the center has introduced the ThinPrep Pap Test into the screening and diagnosis process, aiming to improve the quality of screening and early detection of this dangerous disease.

Cervical cancer (CTC) is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of death in women, after breast cancer. If detected early, the disease can be completely cured, but if the disease progresses to a late stage, the risk of death is high. HPV virus is the cause of more than 99% of CTC cancer cases. HPV virus is highly contagious and is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. CTC cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages, when symptoms appear, it is usually when the cancer has developed and is at a stage that is difficult to treat.

Doctors advise women visiting the provincial Center for Reproductive Health Care on how to prevent and screen for cervical cancer. Photo: Nguyet Minh

Therefore, screening for early detection of cervical cancer helps to handle it promptly and increase treatment effectiveness. Previously, the Provincial Center for Reproductive Health Care implemented cervical cancer testing using the traditional method - Pap smear. In order to create conditions for people to access modern medical services in early screening for this dangerous disease, since 2016, the Center has implemented the ThinPrep Pap Test cervical cancer screening method. This method is considered a major improvement compared to the conventional Pap smear test. If the previous Pap test only achieved a sensitivity of 70%, then with the ThinPrep Pap Test, the sensitivity in cervical cancer screening increased to 95%. Thinprep increases the specificity in detecting precancerous cells, especially glandular epithelial cells, a type of cancer cell that is very difficult to detect.

According to studies, the Thinprep method helps increase the number of high-risk cancer cells detected by 55% compared to the traditional Pap method. The Thinprep method also brings about a significant improvement in the uniformity of cells during the sampling stage, helping to detect pre-invasive cell lesions in groups of patients visiting the hospital, as well as screening results in the community.

When applying the Thinprep method, it will significantly reduce the rate of false negative tests, especially increase the rate of detecting lesions of glandular epithelial cells, help diagnose accurately at an early stage, bring high treatment efficiency, reduce treatment costs and reduce mortality rates. Screening for cervical cancer using this new method is quite simple, like a normal gynecological examination. Patients are tested, preserved according to standards and the provincial Center for Reproductive Health Care Center sends the test samples to Hanoi and is notified of the results after about 1 week. To achieve high efficiency in cervical cancer screening, the Center has invested in a system of standard storage cabinets and proper preservation and transportation procedures; at the same time, it has linked up with a reputable cell testing center in Hanoi to analyze the samples.

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Thuy (Quan Bau Ward, Vinh City) chose the Provincial Center for Gynecological Examination and Cervical Cancer Screening once a year. She said, “Last year, I was advised by doctors at the center to have a cervical cancer screening during a routine check-up and was found to have cell changes. I was prescribed, treated and enthusiastically advised by doctors on how to take care of my health. The subsequent check-ups all resulted in negative diagnoses. Fortunately, I was detected early at risk of contracting this dangerous disease, so that I could receive timely treatment and protect my health.”

Previously, planning to have a baby but still not conceiving after nearly a year, Ms. Le Ngoc Minh (Vinh Tan Ward, Vinh City) had an obstetrics and gynecology examination at the center and was diagnosed with cervical ectropion. The center's doctors cured the disease, and she got pregnant and gave birth, and all of them were examined here. Ms. Minh said: "The doctors at the center are not only highly qualified but also dedicated to the patients, and the treatment and consultation are very reasonable, thanks to that, I feel really secure, and my illness is also cured quickly. Since then, I have had regular gynecological examinations, and also had cervical cancer screening at the center; to prevent the disease for myself."

Save the specimen for cervical cancer screening using the ThinPrep Pap Test method. Photo: Nguyet Minh

The ThinPrep Pap test method has been included in the cervical cancer screening and diagnosis process by the Provincial Center for Reproductive Health Care for more than a year now, aiming to improve the quality of screening and detect the disease as early as possible. According to statistics, the Gynecological Examination Department receives an average of 500 - 600 cervical cancer screening cases each month using this new method. Among them, some cases with cell changes that need to be monitored were detected, and there were cases with late-stage cancer. For example, in May 2017, out of 635 patients examined at the department, 19 cases were diagnosed with cell changes that needed to be monitored.

However, cervical cancer is completely preventable if the lesions are detected and treated early, through regular screening programs. Dr. Hoang Thi Thu - Deputy Director of the Provincial Center for Reproductive Health Care recommends: Women need to be screened for cervical cancer once a year between the ages of 21 and 30. After the age of 30, ThinPrep Pap should be prescribed once every 1, 2, 3 years if the previous 3 tests are negative, once every 3 years if both HPV and ThinPrep Pap tests are negative. Although in recent years, the number of cervical cancer screenings has increased, the number of rural women who are aware of regular check-ups to detect this disease early is still limited. To evaluate some factors related to patients with abnormal results at risk of cervical cancer or cervical cancer of the Thinprep Pap test, to make recommendations and raise awareness for women in protecting their health. Currently, a group of doctors from the Provincial Center for Reproductive Health Care is conducting a research on the topic: "Some comments on the results of patients with ThinPrep Pap test at the Nghe An Provincial Center for Reproductive Health Care from June to September 2017".

Along with that, the Center is oriented to invest in machinery to serve this technique, while enhancing the training of medical staff and doctors with specialized technical expertise; in order to improve the quality of examination and early detection of cervical cancer./.

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