Today marks the World Cervical Cancer Prevention Day. Perú is one of the countries with the highest number of cervical cancer cases in the world. For this reason, Dr. Claudia del Carpio, a member of the gynecologist team at our clinic, points out that it is a priority to recognize that prevention is the safest way to avoid this disease.

Keep in mind the following recommendations:

• Get preventive tests, such as the Cobas HPV test, to detect a high-risk infection, or cervical cytology (PAP) to detect early premalignant changes in the cervix.

• Getting vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Our country has 3 types of vaccine that provide up to 95% protection.
  • CERVARIX® with protection against high-risk HPV 16 and 18
  • GARDASIL® with protection against low-risk HPV 6 and 11 and high-risk HPV 16 and 18
  • GARDASIL 9® with protection against low-risk HPV 6 and 11 and high-risk HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58

• Women between the ages of 9 and 45 should be vaccinated, and men between 9 and 26 years. The ideal is to be immunized before the start of sexual life, but it can be done even in patients who already had an HPV infection

• Using a condom can decrease the risk of infection

Early screening and treatment of precancerous lesions, along with early HPV vaccination, are key to save lives.

Dr. Claudia del Carpio
Gynecologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma