Common misunderstandings about cervical cancer

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Cervical cancer seems to have been all the rage for a long time. In the United States, about 9700 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer this year. This may seem like a small number, but you should consider that there are still 1200000 women who will develop precancerous lesions called atypical hyperplasia. If not treated, atypical hyperplasia will develop into cervical cancer. "Most women in this country no longer die of cervical cancer because of Pap smears, but it's a completely preventable disease," said Dr. Caroline Johnston, a clinical professor of Obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan School of medicine and a gynecological oncologist at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. In addition to screening for early detection, a new vaccine may now be used to help prevent cervical cancer. Let's take a look at the following.

Common misunderstandings about cervical cancer

First, behavioral problems can also affect cervical cancer. "A woman can reduce the risk of these problems by limiting the number of sexual partners in her life, not smoking, receiving screening guidance, etc. Each of these behaviors is a known risk factor associated with cervical cancer So says Anthony Opipari, M.D., associate professor of Obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan School of medicine.

Second, HPV can be transmitted from spouse to spouse, as well as from mouth and contact. A 2006 FDA vaccine, gardasi, prevented four types of HPV, two of which are usually associated with cervical cancer and two with genital warts. A CDC Advisory Committee recommends that Gardasil be routinely used for girls aged 11-13. Until everyone is vaccinated, girls and women aged 13-26 can also be vaccinated. Experts support that the vaccine should be used when women are young before they have sex.

Third: I've been vaccinated against HPV, so I don't need to use condom in sex. Fact: this kind of HPV vaccine will protect you from four kinds of HPV, but there are other types of HPV and sexually transmitted diseases, and this kind of vaccine is helpless. So continue to use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

matters needing attention

I'm too old to need a Pap test anymore. Fact: "we're seeing an increase in cervical cancer and HIV in the elderly." "Women may have new sexual partners, which increases their risk of cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases," said Dr. Lauren zoschnick, a clinical assistant professor of Obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan School of medicine Tell your health care professional that Pap smears are needed, even if you're menopausal, have a hysterectomy, or over 65. Anyway, it's better for women to have a regular physical examination.