Women from 21-65 years old have demand, people with high risk factors, people who have never screened or missed tests for a long time, so cervical cancer screening early.
According to Dr. Nguyen Phat Hien, Traditional Medicine Gynecology Clinic, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital – Facility 3, Cervical Cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in women, but can be effectively prevented if detected early through periodic screening.
Periodic health checks help detect precancerous lesions, thereby timely intervention to minimize the risk of progressing into cancer, raising the cure rate and reducing death.
Who needs cervical cancer screening?
– Women from 21-65 years old have a screening need.
– Women have sex: The risk of HPV virus infection – the main cause of cervical cancer – increases right after starting sex.
– People with high risk factors: including women with HPV infected, with impaired immune system (HIV/AIDS, using immunosuppressive drugs), or a family history of cervical cancer.
– People who have never screened or missed the test for a long time: If you have never done a test or have not been checked for a long time, it is necessary to quickly perform screening to ensure health.
When can you stop screening?
Screening can stop in the following cases:
– Women aged 65 and older if the Pap Smear or HPV test results are negative for 10 consecutive years and have no history of cervical disease.
– Women have completely removed the uterus and has no history of cancer or precial lesions of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer screening methods
Currently, there are many methods that help early detect precancerous lesions:
– Pap smear test (cervical cell spread): Identify abnormal cells in the cervix, perform every 3 years/time for women from 21-29 years old.
– HPV test: Check the presence of HPV virus – Cancer agent. Usually combined with Pap Smear in women 30 years and older.
– HPV cervical cell spread and simultaneously (Co-Testing): Increased effectiveness of cervical cancer detection. Recommended every 5 years for women from 30-65 years old.
– Observe the cervix with acetic acid or lugol: Helps to detect abnormalities by directly observing under specialized light, suitable for women 30-49 years old.
Note for pregnant women
Pregnant women infected with HPV or abnormal papers need to follow the instructions from the doctor. Note:
– Do not perform cervical canal during pregnancy.
– If the cervix is needed, it is necessary to delay up to 6 weeks after birth.
Simulate cervical cancer tumor. Image: MedTour
Things to note before screening test
To ensure accurate results, women should note:
– Time for testing: Do not perform during menstruation, should do after menstruation for 3-5 days.
– Avoid using vaginal hygiene products (placement, cream, hygiene solution) for 2-3 days before the test.
– Abstain from sex for at least 24 hours before testing.
– Do not douche the vagina within 24-48 hours before the test.
– Notice a medical history for a doctor, especially if there is vaginal infection that needs treatment before screening.
– No need to fast before testing.
– Keep the psychological comfort so that the inspection process takes place smoothly.
How to prevent cervical cancer?
In addition to regular screening, women need to take active prevention measures:
– HPV vaccine: is the most effective measure, helping to prevent many dangerous HPV strains.
– Practicing safe sex: No premature sex, limiting the number of partners, using condoms to reduce the risk of HPV infection.
– Personal hygiene care: Keep the genital area clean, especially during menstruation and after sex.
– Healthy nutrition: Supplementing with green vegetables, fruits, vitamins and minerals helps improve the immune system.
– Maintain a healthy lifestyle: exercise, get enough sleep, avoid prolonged stress.
– No smoking: Tobacco increases the risk of cervical cancer and many other dangerous diseases.
– Periodic gynecological examination: Helps early detection of abnormal problems and timely treatment.
Cervical cancer screening is an important measure to help protect women’s health, detect disease early and prevent dangerous complications. The combination of periodic screening, HPV vaccine and healthy lifestyle will help reduce the risk of disease, bring healthier and happier life.