Cervical cancer is a condition of cancer that grows in cells of the cervix or cervix. This cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that kills every year in all corners of the world. The cause of cervical cancer is generally due to the presence of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is found in the cervix. As much as 80-90% of cases of cervical cancer occur because of this HPV virus. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is classified into two types, namely, High Risk which can cause cancer and Low Risk which does not have the potential to become cancer.
Based on existing statistics, 5 out of 10 people who have sex for the first time have the potential to be exposed to this Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This happens because the HPV Virus is a Sexually Transmitted Disease or a Sexually Transmitted Disease that can occur when there is sexual contact. Although 90% of people exposed to the HPV virus can carry out the healing process themselves, this HPV virus can also develop into more serious problems such as cancer.
How to prevent Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?
Until now, there has not been found the right drug that can cure the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus can only be prevented by vaccination and good control. According to research, HPV vaccination has an effectiveness of up to 90% in preventing High Risk HPV which can cause 70% of cancer.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends getting the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination as early as possible. The vaccine is recommended to be given to boys and girls at the age of 11-12 years, who must then be given further vaccinations until the age of 26. The vaccine is given as early as possible because the effectiveness of the vaccine is much higher if it is given to people who have never been exposed to HPV or have had sex. Meanwhile, exposure to HPV at the age of over 26 years is much higher so that the effectiveness of the vaccine is reduced.
At the age of 30, before carrying out the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination, it is best to be screened first. Even though the effectiveness of the vaccine is not as good as in people who have never been exposed to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) at all, it is still important to get the vaccine so that more dangerous things don't happen.
Pap Smear Examination
In addition to carrying out the HPV vaccination, this virus can also be prevented by carrying out good control. One of them is by screening or detecting changes in cells in the body as early as possible. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is an invisible disease, so screening for this virus can only be done through a pap smear.
The Pap smear itself is done by taking a sample of cells from the cervix or cervix to detect if there are abnormal cells in the uterus. Pap smear examination is recommended to be done at the age of 21 years and done every 3 years if the examination results are in normal conditions. At the age of 25-65 years, co-testing or additional examinations should be carried out, namely by adding the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test.
Currently, EMC Hospital has a new pap smear method called the Thinprep method. According to the literature, the Pap smear with the Thinprep method has a higher specimen yield accuracy of 65% better than the conventional pap smear . Where conventional pap smears are still prone to errors in the sample. In addition, the Pap Smear Thinprep can also detect DNA from the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), while conventional pap smears cannot detect this. To perform the Thinprep method, you can first consult with a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at the nearest EMC Hospital. #LiveExcellently
Article reviewed by dr. Aries Joe, Sp.OG, DMAS (Obstetric Obstetrician, Tangerang EMC Hospital).