“Cervical cancer is not the best known of cancers but the annual figures remain worrying. Per year in France, more than 30,000 precancerous lesions and more than 3,000 new cases are detected. Cervical cancer: second cause of cancer death in women under 45 years of age,” indicates the Regional Cancer Screening Coordination Center of the Grand Est region (CRCDC GE) on the occasion of the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which will take place from January 23 to 29.
An opportunity also taken to recall the importance of screening.
Screening and vaccination
Cervical cancers can be prevented in 90% of cases through early diagnosis. And when screening is combined with anti-HPV vaccination, 97% of cancers can be avoided.
“The examination is quick, painless and without risk even for a pregnant woman. It is done in a gynecological position. The healthcare professional gently collects cells from the cervix using a small brush. It takes less than a few minutes and is not painful, although some discomfort may be felt. The cell sample is sent to a laboratory which, after examination, will send the result to the health professional(s), specifies the Center.
-What is uterine cancer?
Cervical cancer is a disease of the mucosa, that is, the tissue that covers the cervix. Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are responsible for the development of this cancer. These sexually transmitted viruses are very common: 8 out of 10 people are affected during their lifetime and condoms do not provide complete protection. Fortunately, women’s immunity allows them to eliminate them within 1 or 2 years, in 9 out of 10 cases.
Risk factors
The main factor responsible for cervical cancer is persistent infection with one or more viruses that are transmitted during sexual intercourse or by simple contact of the genitals: high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV). Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Certain factors can promote the development of cervical cancer such as smoking, sexual intercourse at an early age, multiple sexual partners, having had several children or even prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives. .
To find out everything and get tested, click here.
Health
