Cervical Cancer Can Be Prevented

Each year, more than 5,000 Thai women succumb to cervical cancer even though it can be prevented. So why wait?
The ugly truth is that cervical cancer is the second deadliest cancer right behind breast cancer. On average, 14 women die each day from cervical cancer. Although vaccines are available, most people are still unaware.

Dr. Surached Apininbongkode, obstretician and gynaecologist specialist in maternal-fetal medicine shares his expertise about gynecologic health. Ladies, if you are too shy to ask, here’s your chance to find out the root of lots of problems.

Working women have a very busy life and do not take good care of themselves, especially when it comes to diet and exercise. “Sometimes, we have to take a step back to assess what we are eating, our exercise habits, and determine the last time we had a complete physical exam,” Dr. Surached advises.

“Women of different ages encounter different problems. The most common problem for women between 20 – 30 years old is vaginal discharge. This can be from hormonal imbalance or infection. For women between 30 – 40 years old, they may experience cramps during menstruation, which might be a chronic problem leading to a cyst or some other disorder. Mature ladies over the age of 40 should be careful about tumor in the ovaries and uterus because not everyone has symptoms,” explains Dr. Surached.

The silent killer that creeps upon women is cervical cancer. Dr. Surached enlightens us that “in the old days, diagnosis can only be done by physical exam. Many people are reluctant because the main cause of cervical cancer comes from intercourse with someone who is infected with Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. The strain that is often associated with cervical cancer is HPV16 and HPV 18. Although there are others that may cause cancer, these two strains are responsible for 70% of all cervical cancer.”

Most of the time, men are carriers and women can be infected through sexual intercourse. It may not seem fair, but sometimes, it cannot be avoided.

• Multiple sexual partners
• Early age of first sexual activity
• Pregnancy or many children
• Prolonged use of birth control pills
• Lack of HPV screening

Even though some women may not have any of these risk factors, it is still important to check your partner’s sexual history.

• Has or had penile cancer
• Had a sexual partner or wife who has cervical cancer
• Had venereal disease
• Early age of first sexual activity
• Multiple sexual partners

Dr. Surached adds that “although this virus does not have any effect on a man, he can still pass it to his sexual partner.”

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include the usual: smoking, autoimmune disease and malnutrition of certain types of nutrients. “Some cancers, such as breast cancer or ovarian cancer, are hereditary. If a woman has a close relative who has a history of breast or ovarian cancer, she needs to get periodic check-up more often. However, cervical cancer is caused by a virus and it can be prevented with a vaccine. Many women are too shy to get a gynecologic exam, but they should know that cervical cancer can be screened from urine samples. If the test comes back negative, then it is ok. But if it comes back positive, then a standard exam needs to be performed,” advises Dr. Surached.

Any healthy woman from the age of 20 who is infected with HPV may have indications on and off depending on her health status. “Being diagnosed with HPV infection does not mean that you have cervical cancer. If the cells in the cervix have not been transformed, it may not become cancerous. If the cells have changed their characteristics, a biopsy will be needed to determine the course of action. If the level of HPV is quite high, I do not recommend vaccination,” Dr. Surached explains.

Dr. Surached also shares a story of an unmarried woman who never had a gynecologic exam. One day, she decided to get a check-up and found out that she had stage 1 cervical cancer. Fortunately, it had not spread so Dr. Surached removed the malignancy and she was able to recover. He emphasizes that we all should sometime “live with nature. Eat your complete food groups and get some exercise. Don’t take life for granted. Get a physical exam at least once a year. And don’t forget to get cervical cancer screening. If you are uncomfortable with a gynecologic exam, a simple urine sample can reveal whether you have the virus or not. Don’t be afraid. Get vaccinated and you’ll be worry-free. Just think about it, ladies.

Nowadays, HPV vaccine is safe and effective in inducing the immune system and preventing HPV infection. There is no sign of severe side effects and it is capable of persistent prevention of HPV16/18 infection.

The vaccine is capable of preventing infection that occurs within one month after receiving 3 doses. How long the preventive effect lasts remains to be seen because there is no data over 20 years. The vaccine can be given to women between the first onset of menarche and the age of 55.