Talking about the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer is not optional; it’s urgent. This disease is the second leading cause of death in women, but it can be prevented and successfully treated if identified early through accessible and safe tests.
Health specialists agree that the combination of HPV screening and vaccination is currently the most effective strategy for reducing the incidence and mortality of this type of cancer.
Within the framework of raising awareness about women’s health, Dr. Ana Karen Soto Sañudo, an oncopathologist, emphasizes that the combination of prevention and screening represents one of the most effective strategies for combating cervical cancer, a disease that continues to be one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide.
She explained that cervical cancer originates in the cervix and, although it can affect women of any age, it has a higher incidence rate around age 40. This is because the disease usually develops after years of persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
One of the main challenges in the fight against this disease is that, in its early stages, it does not present obvious symptoms, making regular screening tests essential.
Among the most commonly used tests is the Pap smear, which allows for the direct observation of cervical cells to identify abnormalities. Currently, liquid-based cytology is also used, a more advanced technique that improves sample quality and analysis.
Another fundamental tool is the HPV detection test, which identifies the presence of the virus and, in particular, the high-risk genotypes associated with the development of cancer.
The specialist recommends having the Pap smear and HPV test performed simultaneously, thus increasing the likelihood of detecting abnormalities early. In addition to screening, HPV vaccination is one of the most effective prevention measures. This vaccine protects against the types of viruses that most frequently cause cervical cancer.
In Mexico, the vaccine is administered free of charge in the public sector to girls between the ages of 11 and 12, representing a significant advance in the prevention of this disease.
She stated that international studies have shown that vaccination can reduce the likelihood of developing precancerous lesions by up to 95%, highlighting its impact on public health.
However, there are risk factors that can contribute to the development of the disease, such as smoking, immunodeficiency, and early onset of sexual activity, all of which increase the likelihood of persistent HPV infection.
Furthermore, misinformation and taboos surrounding the virus remain a significant barrier. Many people avoid getting tested out of fear or embarrassment, when in reality it is a very common infection. It is estimated that up to 98% of the population has been exposed to HPV at some point in their lives, and in most cases, the body eliminates it naturally without causing harm.
In cases where the infection persists, there is a risk of developing lesions that can progress to cancer, hence the importance of timely medical follow-up.
Another relevant aspect is the economic impact. Treating an advanced case of cervical cancer can cost the healthcare system millions of pesos, while early detection testing is accessible and even free in many institutions.
Finally, the doctor emphasized that prevention, timely diagnosis, and education are the most powerful tools for reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer, a disease that, when detected early, is highly preventable and treatable.
Source: oem
