Cervical cancer tends to be younger in recent years. Statistics show that regarding half of local cases are under the age of 55. Ms. Zhang, 38, was diagnosed 2 years ago. She recalled that she had unusual bleeding between menstrual periods. After receiving a Pap smear, she was found to be infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) and was confirmed to have cervical cancer. In stage 2B, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were required. The treatment made her feel physically and mentally exhausted, and it also affected her fertility and entered menopause early.
In fact, cervical cancer is not a cancer that only elderly people encounter. Dr. Zhang Tianyi, a specialist in clinical oncology, pointed out that young people in their 20s and 30s have the chance to develop cervical cancer: “About 90% of cases are caused by HPV infection. , This virus is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, and when the cells of the cervix are infected and cannot clear themselves, they have the opportunity to develop into cancer.”
Helpless, the early symptoms of cervical cancer are not obvious, making it difficult for patients to detect the disease. Dr. Zhang quoted data that 70% of the new local cases in 2019 were in the second to fourth stage, of which the 5-year survival of the second to third stage The rate is regarding 60% to 70%, and only 15% in the fourth stage, reflecting that the later the stage, the more difficult it is to treat. She said that in the early stage, the tumor can be removed by surgery, but when the cancer cells spread, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are required. With the improvement of treatment technology, the quality of life and survival rate of patients have been greatly improved.
Prevention is always better than cure. Dr. Zhang said that cervical cancer is currently a cancer that can be eradicated. He said that early prevention of HPV in men and women of the right age will help reduce the spread of the virus and the risk of cancer. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some HPV-related cancers are among the few cancers that can be prevented at present, just like hepatitis B causes liver cancer.
Dr. Zhang Tianyi reminded that there are many different treatments for cervical cancer, each with different effects, side effects and risks. Patients should discuss with their doctors and choose the most suitable treatment according to their personal conditions, including physical conditions, illness, and affordability.