The doctor talked about the risk of cervical cancer with HPV

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered by gynecologists and oncologists as one of the key factors contributing to the development of oncological diseases, primarily cervical cancer. Radmir Akhmerov, oncogynecologist at the SM Clinic, told Izvestia about this on August 18.

"Such close attention to the virus is no coincidence. Aggressive strains of the papilloma virus are to blame for most cases of this serious illness. The problem of this virus and the cancer risks it carries for young women is related to the latent nature of the infection," he said.

Human papillomavirus is the most common infection transmitted through any type of unprotected sexual contact. According to doctors, up to 80% of sexually active women become infected with this virus at least once in their lives. One of the characteristic signs of infection is the formation of papillomas and condylomas in the genital area and anus.

"HPV is often asymptomatic, and in many cases the body copes with the infection on its own — within two years after infection. However, in some women, the virus becomes chronic, becoming a trigger for triggering the oncological process. Viruses of the 16th and 18th types are the most dangerous for women's health, they are detected in the vast majority of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer," Akhmerov noted.

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And what problems do their families face during this multi-year process?

In women with strong immune systems, cancer, like the virus itself, can develop slowly, sometimes over 15-20 years. However, if the body is severely weakened by concomitant diseases, cancer progresses much faster — within five years.

The oncogynecologist recommended paying attention to the characteristic symptoms of cervical cancer. First of all, these are uterine bleeding after intimacy or not related to the menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, constant painful sensations in the lower back, pelvis and legs.

Akhmerov stressed that regular screening for HPV and precancerous changes in the cervix is the key to early detection of female cancer. Women 30 years of age and older should undergo PAP testing for HPV and cytological examination of the cervix at least once a year. If the virus is detected without clinical manifestations, the examination is repeated after 6-12 months.

In addition to screening, vaccination is another effective tool in the fight against the papilloma virus. Currently, drugs that increase immunity to the most oncogenic types of the virus are used in Russia and a number of countries.

According to the doctor, the greatest effectiveness of vaccination is achieved in adolescence (9-13 years). However, vaccination is also necessary for young women and even carriers of the virus. This allows you to form a stable immune response of the body, extinguish the active phase of the virus and prevent the development of cancer in the future.

Cervical cancer is a disease that is easier to prevent than to treat. A comprehensive approach, including regular checkups, HPV vaccination, and cancer awareness, helps protect millions of women around the world. And early prevention is not just a medical recommendation, but a real chance to save your health and life.

Earlier, on July 9, Olga Lavrinovich, oncogynecologist and reproductologist, medical consultant to the Khabensky Foundation, spoke about the most common types of cancer during pregnancy. The most common cancers among pregnant women include breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers.

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