CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION

Q. What is Cervical Cancer?

A. It is cancer of mouth of Uterus (Womb) and is a world wide most common cause of genital cancer death in females

 

                           

 Colposcopic view of Early cancer of cervix

 

 

Q. Can Cervical Cancer be prevented?

A. Yes, Cervical Cancer be prevented by administering Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) VACCINE

 A. yes, Genital Warts, Vaginal Cancer, Vulval Cancer, Penile cancer (in males)

 

Q. Who are the persons at risk?

A. Sexually active females

 

Q. Are virgins at risk also?

 A. NO

 

Q. can we prevent the cervical Cancer ?

A. Yes, in 70% cases

 

Q. How it can be prevented?

A. By administering Cancer Vaccine and by regular screening by Colposcopy, PAP Smear and HPV DNA testing

 

Q. When should be the HPV Vaccine be administered.

A. Better if taken by 9 years to 26 years, but can be taken upto 45 years

 

Q. Can HPV Vaccine protect from other diseases also?

A. Yes, Warts, Vaginal and Vulval and Anal Cancer.

 

Q. Can it be given to males also?

A. Yes, 9 to 26 years of age. Prevents genital warts and penile cancer in males also.

 

Q. How many types of Vaccines are available?

A. Two, Gardasil (Effective against 4 types of virus)

            Cervarix (Effective against 2 types of virus) 

 

Q. How many doses?

A. Three doses are required at interval of Two and six months

 

Q. Can this vaccine be administered to pregnant women?

A. No, effect of this vaccine in pregnant women is not proven.

 

Q. Any rest required after administration of HPV Vaccine?

A. 15 minutes

 

Q. Are we 100% protected?

A. It provides protection in 70 to 80% of cases.

 

Q. How do I know that I am having cervical Cancer?

A. you can have

1 .Post coital bleeding (bleeding after intercourse)

2.Inter-menstrual bleeding (Bleeding between periods)

3.Excessive discharge

4.Low feeling and weakness

 

Q. What to do next?

A. Consult Gyanecologist

 

Q. Are some tests available for detecting before cancer cervix develops

A. yes

 

Q. What are the tests for cervical cancer?

A. Before the full blown disease there are some changes in the cervix which can develop upto 10 years before the full blown disease develops. There are certain screening tests to detect it.

 

Q. What are the screening tests ?

A.      1. Pap Smear or liquid based cytology

   2. HPV DUO

   3. Colposcopy

 

Q. What is PAP smear or liquid based cytology?

A. These tests are done from vaginal fluids that can detect cancer cells

 

Q. Is it painful?

 A. NO, just like routine Gyanecological checkup

 

Q. How frequently it is to be done?

A. Every one to three years

 

Q. When to start screening (PAP smear / liquid based cytology)?

A. After 18 years or three years after starting of sexual activity.

 

Q. Till what age screening is to be done?

A. Till 65 years

Q. What is HPV DUO test?

A. It is liquid based cytology + Human Papilloma virus detection ( cause of warts and cancer)

 

Q. How is it done?

A. By vaginal fluids

 

Q. What to do if HPV DNA positive ?

A. Go for COLPOSCOPY.  (Click here to go to Colposcopy page)

 

Q. What to do if I am diagnosed with Carcinoma cervix?

A. It depends on the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis

 

Q. What are the treatment options?

A. Surgical, chemotherapy and radiotherapy