Activating health awareness and education programs to reduce the incidence of infection
Dr. Hatem Al-Jafri, a consultant gynecological oncologist at the Princess Noura Cancer Center in King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah, confirmed that cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of malignant tumor in women, and about 99.7% of cases are closely related to infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV).
In his speech on the occasion of the World Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, he pointed out that this tumor is one of the most dangerous types of malignant tumors in women and affects the cervical region as a result of the abnormal growth of cells that make up this part, and that the most important cause of cervical cancer is infection with the papilloma virus. It is transmitted through many conditions such as sexual contact with a person infected with the human papilloma virus, infection with some immunodeficiency diseases, genetic factors in the family, and the smoking.
The main symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after sexual intercourse.
With regard to the prevention of this tumor, Dr. Al-Jafri indicated the importance of early examination and that it helps protect against cervical cancer or its early detection. It is one of the routine examinations that every woman should ask the obstetrician and gynecologist about, and that there are two examinations available for early detection:
- Cervical examination (Pap smear)
Which shows changes in cervical cells that may turn into cancer if not treated appropriately.
Which can cause changes in the cells of the cervix that may lead to cancer.
Dr. Al-Jafri also indicated that the appropriate age for women to start examinations and tests for the cervix starts from the age of 21 and follow-up with the specialist doctor to obtain the result and determine the next test or examination of the cervix, as there are cases that are examined after three or five years and that depends On the guidance of a specialist doctor.
In order to contribute to raising awareness in the community about the prevention of cervical cancer, Dr. Al-Jafri said that it is necessary to review the instructions and information that help women to combat and prevent this disease, and to ask about the vaccine and if the woman or girl is qualified to receive the vaccine.
With regard to early cervical cancer screening, it is according to the age group, for example the age group from 21 to 29 years. If the result of the Pap test is normal, the doctor may direct the next test of the cervix after a period of three years, and the age group is from 30 to 65 there are many screening options that suit the case under the guidance of a specialist. You may only need a Pap smear test and the result is normal. The doctor directs the possibility to wait three years until the next Pap test, or the doctor may find that the most appropriate option for the case is to do an HPV test. This is called the (combined) test. If both results are normal, the wait is for five years until the next screening test.
As for the age group over 65 years, the case does not need to be examined either because the results of the screening tests are normal for several years, or if the cervix has been removed as part of a complete hysterectomy for non-cancerous cases such as fibroids.
Consultant gynecological oncologist, Dr. Al-Jafri, stressed the awareness and education programs and said that many medical and field studies confirm that spreading health awareness of the need for examination and vaccination greatly contributes to limiting the spread of this disease.
As Dr. Shahad Al-Harazi - Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, indicated that it may take up to three weeks to receive the test results, and the results of the examination may show that something may not be normal, so the doctor communicates with the patient and finds out the best way to follow up. It is important that the patient is Know that this does not mean that she has cancer and that there are many reasons why the test results are abnormal, such as some inflammation that may affect the genital area, but if the test results show abnormal cells and may become cancerous, the doctor will tell you the appropriate treatment plan and in In both cases, it is important to follow up with your doctor immediately to learn more about your test results and receive any treatment you may need, and do not forget the healthy method that helps prevent and reduce the chances of infection, and many doctors and specialists consider cervical cancer to be affected by lifestyle in a way Very big, Dr. Al-Harazi also thanked the specialists - Hatoon Beyari, Noura Seit, and the resident doctor / Asala Hammad for participating in the awareness of the International Month of Cervical Cancer.