2024-01-08 02:00:00
The International Agency for Research on Cancer under the World Health Organization designates January every year as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to arouse public attention to cervical cancer and take appropriate preventive measures.
Sexually experienced women aged 25 to 64 should undergo regular cervical screening, even if they do not have any symptoms.
More than 40% of cervical cancers are not discovered until late stages
Cervical cancer is also one of the eight most deadly cancers among local women. According to a report from the Hong Kong Cancer Statistics Center, new cases of cervical cancer have been increasing year-on-year from 2012 to 2021, from 469 cases in 2012 to 596 cases in 2021, an increase of 25% in ten years.
In 2022 alone, 167 related deaths were recorded. Hong Kong data also shows that among patients diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer, the relative survival rate in the first 5 years can reach 90%. But when the cancer reaches the fourth stage, the survival rate drops to only 16%. However, more than 40% of local cases were diagnosed at an advanced stage.
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holdContinuedInfectHPVViruses can cause cancer
Cervical cancer is generally caused by persistent infection with one of the cancer-causing human papillomaviruses (HPV). Although most viruses are cleared by the body on their own, persistent infection can cause cervical cell lesions and even cancer. This virus is generally transmitted through sexual contact, so the most effective prevention method is to receive the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV vaccine) before having sexual intercourse. In addition, using condoms, practicing safe sex by avoiding multiple sexual partners, and avoiding smoking can all help prevent infection.
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Regular screening can effectively reduce the chance of cancer, but women in Hong Kong are not screened enough
Sexually experienced women aged 25 to 64 should be screened regularly, even if they do not have any symptoms. However, according to the results of the Department of Health’s 2020-2022 Annual Demographic Health Survey, only half of eligible women have ever received cervical screening. A significant proportion of women among them misunderstood that they did not need to undergo examination because they were fine or had no symptoms.
In fact, most women who are infected with HPV or have early-stage cervical precancerous lesions will not develop obvious symptoms. If not detected in time and without appropriate treatment, the diseased cells may deteriorate further over time and develop into cancer. Regular screening can help detect early abnormal changes in the cervix, allowing early identification of patients and increasing chances of cure and survival.
Cervical smear (also called Pap smear) or HPV test are commonly used screening methods. Cytology tests can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, while HPV tests can find HPV, which can cause cancer. The sampling procedures for both testing methods are similar. Medical staff will use a speculum, and then use a brush or swab to collect samples and send them to the laboratory for testing.
In addition, the World Health Organization and some overseas public health institutions have adopted vaginal HPV self-sampling as an effective method for cervical screening. However, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to prove that other HPV self-sampling methods, including urine sampling, are effective screening methods. The Department of Health will continue to pay close attention to relevant scientific research evidence in this regard.
The Department of Health calls on women to understand relevant health information, undergo regular screening, and take effective measures to prevent cervical cancer. Whether you receive a cervical smear test, an HPV test with a sample taken by a health care provider, or a vaginal HPV self-sample, the most important thing is to get screened regularly. Eligible women who plan to receive cervical screening services at Maternal and Child Health Centers under the Department of Health can make an appointment by calling the 24-hour appointment and information hotline (telephone number: 3166 6631).
Text: Dr. Liu Tianhui (Physician, Non-Communicable Disease Division, Department of Health)
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