What is cervical cancer?

It is the abnormal, poorly controlled growth of atypical cells of the cervix that transform into malignant cells. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world.

This disease is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that is transmitted through sexual contact (any man or woman, regardless of sexual orientation, can carry the virus and transmit it).

Cervical cancer is the only cancer in which a virus-disease relationship has been shown. There are more than 100 HPV subclasses, from which 15 are related to cervical cancer. From those 15, four (16, 18, 31, and 45 serotypes) are responsible for 80% of cervical cancer cases.

What are the symptoms?

In its early stages, that is, the microscopic stage, cervical cancer does not show symptoms.

Unfortunately, only when the disease is in an advanced stage can manifest with bleeding between menstruation periods, after menopause, during and/or after sexual intercourse, vaginal discharge, and bad smell.

How is it detected?

The Pap test is performed to detect abnormalities in the cervix, which can be combined with a test to detect the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and if performed periodically, it helps to make a diagnosis to start treatment promptly.

Therefore, it is essential to have a Pap test, request the result, and follow the instructions of the health care professional. If any alteration or abnormality is detected, you must go for a gynecological consultation to start a treatment according to the case.

It is important to consider that the time to start having a Pap smear is three years after having started sexual activity.

How can it be prevented?

Prevention is very important. So, you should:

• Use condoms, despite not being one hundred percent effective for the prevention of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) it reduces the risk of infection.
• Attend a gynecological consultation.
• Have an annual Pap smear, which remains the most effective way for early detection of malignant and premalignant lesions on the cervix. If detected and treated promptly, the number of deaths due to this type of cancer will stop increasing.
• Apply the complete vaccination scheme against human papillomavirus.
• There are two types of vaccines. The first is a quadrivalent vaccine that, apart from protecting from some forms of cervical cancer, it also protects against some types of genital warts. The second is a bivalent vaccine that protects against some forms of cervical cancer.
• Receive this immunization before starting sexual life. In Peru, the Ministry of Health recommends vaccination from the age of 10.

Factores de riesgo

• Early initiation of sexual activity (before 18).
• Improper use of a condom.
• Not having periodically a Pap smear, in addition to not requesting the result or not undergoing treatment in case of a positive diagnosis.
• Smoking.
• Number of sexual partners (the more sexual partners, the higher the risk).
• HIV/AIDS.
• Have or have had a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).