“cervical cancer” It is a cancer that is most common in females found in women from young to old age and is the second most common cancer in Thai women after breast cancer. National Cancer Institute that cervical cancer It is a cancer that is 80% preventable if screened regularly.
But in the past, it has been found that many women are concerned about getting screened for HPV. Which is the main cause of cervical cancer for a variety of reasons. one of which is Shy Doctor Fear of getting on the treadmill, fear of getting hurt, etc., preventing regular screenings. until not being examined at all Many women go to see a gynecologist when symptoms are present, which may prevent timely treatment.
At present, there are innovations in cervical cancer screening for infection. HPV virus by allowing women to choose to collect samples for themselves This is an additional option to access the screening test. more effectively free Thai women of all rights can screen can prevent disease It has a 90-95% sensitivity to find abnormal cells more than the conventional method, Papspear, which has 50-55% sensitivity to find abnormal cells.
How does cancer occur?
On 7 Sept. 65 Dr. Piyawat Laohutanon, Director of Chonburi Cancer Hospital addressed in an online discussion on the topic “A woman must know! New alternative for cervical cancer screening by HPV DNA method, no need to trestle” organized by Roche Diagnostics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. by explaining that cervical cancer is a cancer that occurs in the cervix Most of the cancer caused by having to create more cells than usual spread to multiple organs
“People naturally have two types of genes: genes that stimulate cell renewal and genes that prevent overproduction. The main cause of cervical cancer is infection. HPV virus 99.9% and 0.1% are caused by genetics. HPV virus enters cells This causes the genes that control the production to stop working. causing unlimited cell generation until it turns into cancer in various organs of the body.”
HPV is at risk of cervical cancer with more than 14 species.
The main cause of cervical cancer is HPV. by more than 100 carcinogenic strains But there are 14 strains that cause high-risk cervical cancer, with the main ones being strain 16 and strain 18, which accounted for more than 70% of the total by cervical cancer screening. There is a method for detecting the HPV virus. by collecting specimens in the vagina
In women aged 40-50, originally diagnosed in the late stages, the diagnosis is the smell of cervical cancer, but when the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has included the right to screen for cancer when 18 years ago, the incidence decreased and the terminal illness decreased slightly.
Thai women fear cancer screening
Although the incidence of new cervical cancer has decreased But when cervical cancer patients are found, they often find stage 3-4, which is a highly diffuse stage. The cause from the past, Thai research has found that most of them are caused by shyness and fear of internal examinations. As you know women have to trestle insert the tool scare make the past most people worry but refused to check
In addition, in the past 2-3 years, the outbreak of COVID-19 make medical personnel The screening and preventing roles were temporarily switched to roles. in caring for COVID-19 patients Decreased access to screening Figures In the past few years, the number of cervical cancer screenings has declined. Causing cervical cancer, if found, is found at the end stage, close to 10-20 years ago
How many cervical cancer screening methods are there?
Dr. Piyawat went on to say that There are two types of cervical cancer screening:
1.) Examination of cell characteristics Or what we call “Pap Smear”
2.) Inspection at the Nu level Currently used are HPV DNA tests and intracellular assays to predict abnormal cell development.
“however Both methods can be screened for cervical cancer as well, simply: Pap smear method You have to wait for abnormal cells before they can be detected. But HPV testing, if detected, can tell the risk. to find ways to prevent and treat it early.”
abnormality found rate
- Pap smears are 50-55% sensitive to abnormal cells.
- HPV is 90-95% more sensitive to abnormal cell detection than conventional pap smears.
How to collect an HPV DNA test sample?
There are two methods of cervical cancer screening by “HPV DNA test”.
1.) Get on the trestle like a traditional Pap smear test. by having a doctor or medical personnel to collect
2.) Self-collection with boxes, tubes and sample sticks. It is inserted into the vagina and collects cells. It doesn’t hurt. It’s a new method that can be picked up on its own. In terms of sensitivity to find abnormal cells close to the examination with a trestle It is a powerful innovation in the search for abnormal cells. It is an option for cervical cancer screening.
“Usually, samples can be collected both at the service center and at home. But because the test is new for the general public, initially it is recommended to collect at the service center. because after collecting samples must take a piece of cotton wool Go look for an HPV infection. precisely But in the future, if there is a change in the format to keep better It can then be collected at home and taken to the service center the next day.”
However NHSO. has issued guidelines for screening and guidelines in collaboration with the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society of Gynecological Oncology In the event that a woman comes to check for the HPV virus.
- If the test is negative can refrain from screening for the next 5 years
- In the case of the HPV virus detected Especially high-risk carcinogenic strains are strains 16 and 18. The next step is diagnosis. cervical endoscopy
- In the case of HPV infection but not strains 16 and 18 will have additional cellular assays. If the cell result is abnormal Therefore, it will go to make a diagnosis by examining the cervix. If no abnormal cells are found, an appointment will be made for another 1 year examination.
WHO aims to reduce the incidence of 4 per 100,000 population
Dr. Suleeporn Sangkrachang, Deputy Director of Health System Development National Cancer Institute Explain that in the past, cervical cancer Found the number one in Thai women. But with cooperation from all sectors, prevention is recommended. After 18 years, there has been a collaboration with NHSO in cervical cancer screening projects across the country, but the original method was a cytology examination or “Papa “Smear” reduces cervical cancer. It is now the 5th most common cancer.
However, the current incidence of Thai women with cervical cancer is 11.1 per 100,000 population. World Health Organization I want all countries to reduce the incidence to 4 people per 100,000 population. Intensive screening and vaccination of schoolchildren are also required.
At the same time, the understanding of Thai people Still believe that cancer is and then death is a wound in the heart. Many people will not dare to say that they have cervical cancer. because it is a fateful disease, incurable and costly But in fact, we have a screening service. And taking care of NHSO takes care of it. Some people may not know all the information.
Year 2023 Aims to expand laboratories across the country
Dr. Suleeporn He went on to say that the current HPV DNA Test has a total of 71 provinces and more than 100 laboratories and will expand the whole country next year. Or currently have to keep it yourself. especially women who have never been screened before can get a test kit Go pick it up in the bathroom and send it. or take it home But had to return to the hospital because I understand that some people have never climbed the trestle and have equipment that may be afraid. Therefore, there will be more expansion in the matter of self-collection.
Recommendations for collecting samples
It is recommended to collect samples. First, you must observe yourself. If you have the following symptoms should not collect samples namely
- have lower abdominal pain
- stomach pain during sex
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- Should be collected 7 days or more after menstruation (do not collect specimens during menstruation)
by collecting specimens should be cleaned with plain water when collecting samples The wood should not be contaminated before it is added to the solution. and sent to the service unit within 1 – 2 days
Free screening for all treatment rights
Dr. Attaporn Limpanyalert, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) said that for Thai people, each right will have a supervisory agency, namely the rights of 6 million civil servants, will have the Comptroller General’s Department to take care of Social security rights of 10 million people, the Social Security Office takes care of them. And more than 48 million Thai people will have the right to universal health coverage. It covers from health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment.
“Cancer is understood to have died. But that’s the end. If the screening test is found in the early stage and treated, the chances of being cured are high. Therefore, the NHSO screening has been included in the benefits. Regarding health promotion screening, preventing disease, therefore, Thai people, regardless of their rights, whether gold card, civil servants, social security, can enter the screening only if they are Thai, if they meet at any stage. Access to treatment according to the right by the state to pay the expenses no need to worry”
Check the screening rights in the wallet app.
The screening in the health insurance system There are several methods of cervical cancer screening. What methods can I use to go to the hospital? In addition to health promotion and disease prevention, if we are not sick? We may not want to go to the hospital. Currently, we are trying to find a number of ways. Now NHSO joins hands with Krung Thai Bank to use an app. “Bag Tang” It now has 40 million users.
Search process
- In the app, Pao Tang, when entering the menu “Healthy wallet” will have details appear.
- Then there will be health promotion services. And details to choose different services. “Screening” service will be at the bottom right.
- The rights depend on each person. and the age in the group that matches the rights
- There are conditions for exercising rights Information of service units, clinics that can receive services
- There is a service unit near the temple within a radius of 50 kilometers, which unit is available. You can make an appointment at the hospital and go get the service right away.
“It is a service that NHSO joins hands with Krungthai In order to facilitate, last year, the service in Bangkok was 100% complete, and in 2023, it will provide services in the provinces covering the whole country.”
past NHSO. have visited the public service area by collaborating with the SAO. Every place has cervical cancer screening and educates community leaders, VHV to talk to the target women. to understand the screening And access to more services. Importantly, do not worry about the cost because it is in the benefits of any rights.
cancer cures everywhere
access to the public No need to pay, but the important thing is how to get the target women to use the service. There is a matter of self-examination. do not need to trestle make a curtain The barrier between some empathy is reduced. make it more accessible All in the benefits You can choose to use it.
“Care for cancer patients, Department of Medicine, Ministry of Public Health There is a lot of seriousness in this regard. In the past, besides cervical cancer The distinctive feature is that if screened and treated quickly, there are many chances of curing. Most importantly, there are now cancer treatments everywhere. no matter what type of cancer divided into districts Each hospital has a coordinator. and find a service unit that is ready and take the patient into the treatment process faster People can rest assured that if cancer is detected will get treatment faster, but the important thing is how to know that we are now entering cancer This is the heart of the matter,” said Dr. Attaporn.