New Delhi, January 18 (IANS). Cervical cancer is a cancer that occurs in women, which can be easily prevented by timely identification and proper prevention. According to Dr. Meera Pathak, Senior Medical Officer and Gynecology Expert of Bhangel CHC, to avoid this, the most important thing is to know at which age the risk of this cancer is highest so that it can be prevented with the right test and treatment.
Dr. Meera Pathak says that cervical cancer is generally seen more in women between 35 to 55 years of age. However, women between 40 and 50 years of age are its biggest victims. If a woman at this age complains of bleeding after intercourse (post coital bleeding) or pain during intercourse (post coital pain), then these are considered to be the most common symptoms of cervical cancer. This is the reason why women should pay special attention to their body at this age.
Dr. Pathak says that cervical cancer can be easily prevented. For this, timely screening and vaccination is necessary. There are two main methods for this – first is Pap smear test and second is HPV vaccine.
Pap smear test should be done by every woman who has become sexually active. In this test the sample is taken from the mouth of the cervix. This test should be done every three years. If Pap smears are normal continuously for 65 years, then this test can be stopped after that.
Another method is HPV DNA testing, which helps in finding out whether the woman is infected with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV virus is considered to be the biggest cause of cervical cancer. This test is also done by taking a sample from the mouth of the cervix. If this test is started from the age of 30, then the test can be done again every five years. Pap smear can also be done along with this test.
Apart from this, HPV vaccine is also very helpful in preventing cervical cancer. It is considered safest to get the vaccine before starting sexual activity.
Dr. Pathak says it is important that women educate themselves about these symptoms and screening. Do not take light bleeding or pain lightly in the beginning. Getting timely checkups and tests is the biggest weapon to prevent this cancer.
–IANS
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