Anyone with a cervix is at risk of cervical cancer. It is most common in people over the age of 30. certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) Long-term infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but very few will develop cervical cancer.

Screening tests and HPV vaccine  It may help prevent cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is highly treatable when detected early. 

What are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?

Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse It is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of HPV. Some types of HPV can cause changes in the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts.

HPV It is so common that most people get this disease at some point in their lives. HPV usually does not cause any symptoms, so the person himself cannot understand that he has HPV. Most  HPV will disappear on its own; However, if it does not disappear on its own, there is a possibility that it may cause cervical cancer over time.

Cervical CancerMethods to be Used to Reduce Risk

To help prevent cervical cancer, it is necessary to be vaccinated against HPV, have regular screening tests, and return to the doctor if the screening test results are not normal.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

HPV vaccinationI, mostly causing cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers HPV types Provides protection against.

• The HPV vaccine is recommended for teenagers ages 11 to 12, but can also be given starting at age 9.

• The HPV vaccine is also recommended for anyone up to age 26 who has not yet been vaccinated.

• HPV vaccination is not recommended for anyone over the age of 26. However, some adults ages 27 to 45 who have not yet been vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after talking with their doctor about their risk of getting new HPV infections and the possible benefits of the vaccine. HPV vaccine provides less benefit in this age range because more people are exposed to HPV.

If vaccination is started before age 15, a two-dose schedule is recommended, with doses given 6 to 12 months apart. People who start the series after their 15th birthday will receive the vaccine three  It is done in a series of times.

The HPV vaccine prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. Therefore, the HPV vaccine works best when given before exposure to HPV. Even if you have had the HPV vaccine, it is necessary to have regular cervical cancer screening.

Screening Tests

Two screening test, It can help find cellular changes that may be precancerous or cervical cancer:

• Pap Test (or Pap Smear): It is used to detect cell changes in the cervix that may turn into cervical cancer if not treated appropriately.

• HPV Test: The virus that may cause cell changes ( It is useful to detect human papilloma virus).

Both tests can be done in a doctor's office or clinic. 

• ​If you have not been vaccinated by the age of 26, you must HPV vaccination should be done.

• Tobacco and tobacco products should not be used.

• A condom should be used during sexual intercourse.

*HPV infection can occur in male and female genital areas covered or protected by a condom, or in areas not covered by a condom. 

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

In the early stages, cervical cancer may not cause signs or symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, such as bleeding after sexual intercourse. If any of these symptoms are present, it is necessary to consult a doctor. These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see a doctor.

HPV Test and Pap Test can help prevent or detect cervical cancer early.

• The HPV test detects the virus (i) that can cause cell changes in the cervix.human papillomavirus) calls .

• The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancerous lesions, which are cell changes in the cervix that can develop into cervical cancer if not treated properly.

Both tests can be done in a doctor's office or clinic. The cells taken during the examination are sent to a laboratory.

• If having a Pap test, whether the cells look normal  will be checked.

• In HPV testing, cells will be tested for HPV.

 Abnormal cytological findings in the smear test may be the first sign of cancer that will develop years later. Cervical cancer usually does not cause pain or other symptoms. It is found by Pap test.

When Should Screening Be Done?

Pap tests should start at age 21. If the Pap test result is normal, you can wait three years until the next Pap Test. 

If You Are 30 to 65 Years Old

• HPV Testing Only: This is called primary HPV testing. If the result is normal, one can wait five years until the next screening test. 

• An HPV test along with a Pap test: This is called co-testing. If both results are normal, you can wait five years until the next screening test.

• Pap test only: If the result is normal, you can wait three years until the next Pap test.

If You Are Over 65

It can be said that screening is no longer necessary in the following cases:

• If you have had at least three Pap tests or two HPV tests in the last 10 years and the test results are normal or negative 

• If you have not had cervical cancer in the past 

• If the cervix has been removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions such as fibroids, there is no longer a need for screening.

How to Prepare for Your Pap or HPV Test?

There is no need for special preparation before having an HPV test.

Get a Pap testif Necessary steps can be taken to ensure that the test results are accurate. Sexual intercourse, douching, and the use of vaginal medication or spermicidal foam should be avoided for 2 days before the test. If you had sexual intercourse before the test, the appointment should be made as planned and the doctor should be informed. 

If menstruation has occurred, both tests can be performed.

Test results

Test results can take up to three weeks to come back. If an abnormal finding is found in the test, the doctor will contact you and monitor the process. There may be many reasons why test results may not be normal. This usually does not mean you have cancer.

If the test results show cells that are abnormal and may turn into cancer, you will be informed whether treatment is required. In most cases, treatment prevents cervical cancer from developing. It is necessary to learn more about the test results and receive any treatment that may be necessary.

If the test results are normal, the chance of developing cervical cancer within the next few years is very low. It may be said that you can wait several years for the next cervical cancer screening test. However, it is still necessary to visit the doctor regularly for check-ups.

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Pap Test Result

The Pap test result may be normal, indeterminate, abnormal or inconclusive.

Normal Conclusion

A normal (or “negative”) result means that no cell changes are found in the cervix.  However, it is still necessary to have Pap tests in the future. New cell changes may occur in the cervical epithelium.

If only a Pap test has been performed, it can be said that the next screening test can be waited for three years. It may also tell you that if an HPV test has been performed and the result is negative, you can wait five years for the next screening test.

Uncertain Result

It is common for test results to be ambiguous.This may use other words to describe the result, such as equivocal, inconclusive, or ASC-US. These all mean the same thing; These are terms that indicate that cervical cells are abnormal. They may also be related to life changes such as pregnancy, menopause, or infection. HPV testing will help find out if cell changes are related to HPV. As a result of colposcopic examination of the cervix, areas with abnormal appearance will need to be biopsied and the cervical canal curetted and sent for pathological examination.

AbnormalSthirteen

It means that there are cell changes in the cervix. This usually does not mean you have cervical cancer. Abnormal changes in the cervix are likely caused by HPV. Changes can be minor (low grade) or severe (high grade). Most of the time, small changes return to normal on their own. However, if more serious changes are not eliminated, it can turn into cancer. More serious changes are often called "precancerous" because they are not cancer yet, but they can become cancerous over time. In rare cases, an abnormal Pap test may indicate cancer. Other tests need to be done to be sure. The earlier cervical cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

If there are not enough cells in the sample or if the cells are clumped together, this is considered inadequate. You may need to have another Pap test again in a few months.

HPV Test Result

The HPV test result can be positive or negative.

A negative HPV test means you do not have a type of HPV linked to cervical cancer. You may wait five years for the next screening test.

Positive

A positive HPV test means that a type of HPV that may be linked to cervical cancer has been detected. This does not mean that you currently have cervical cancer. But this is a warning. The specific HPV type can be identified to determine the next step.

• A colposcopy is usually performed if a cervical screening finds changes in cells caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). 

• During colposcopy, a smooth, tube-shaped instrument (speculum) is gently inserted into the vagina to open it. A microscope is then used to look at the cervix in more detail. The microscope remains outside the body.

• A small sample of cells may be taken from the cervix for testing. This is called a biopsy. During colposcopic examination, small pieces taken from suspicious areas are sent for pathological examination. In cases where the location of abnormal cells cannot be determined exactly, the inside of the cervical canal is curetted and sent to pathology.

Treatment Types

Cervical cancer is treated in various ways. This depends on the type of cervical cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

• Surgery:  It is the removal of cancer tissue through surgery.

• Chemotherapy: The use of special drugs to shrink or kill cancer. Medications are administered as pills, intravenous drugs, or sometimes both.

• Radiation: The use of high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill cancer.

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• Gynecological oncologists are doctors trained to treat gynecological cancers, such as cervical, uterine, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar cancers.

• Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with medicine.

• Radiation oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with radiation.