7 Thai Women Die Each Day From Cervical Cancer

7 Thai Women Die Each Day From Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer among Thai women aged 35-50, with more than 6,000 new cases reported annually. This makes it the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.

Symptoms

At the beginning of the disease, there are no symptoms, but cervical cancer can be detected with a Pap smear.

As the cancer progresses, there may be symptoms such as vaginal discharge that is foul-smelling, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or vaginal discharge that resembles amniotic fluid. If there is a lot, one might experience pain while urinating or have blood in their urine. Other potential symptoms include abnormal excretory system functions.

If the cancer spreads, it may affect other organs such as lymph nodes in the neck, lungs, liver, and bones.

Risk factors for cervical cancer

1. Having sex at a young age (below 20 years old) and having multiple partners
2. Inflammation of the cervix due to infection with Human Papiloma Virus, herpes, genital warts
3. Women who smoke have a higher risk of cervical cancer than non-smokers
4.  Women with low immunity
5. Lack of nutrients such as folate, vitamin A, vitamin C

How to reduce risk of developing cervical cancer

This can be done by practicing safe sex, getting vaccinated, and getting regular check-ups with a doctor. Additionally, avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help lower the risk of cervical cancer.

1. Avoid increasing risk factors, including having multiple sex partners. and having sex for the first time at a young age
2. Women who are over the age of 30 or sexually active should have a Pap Smear test at least once a year in order to detect any changes in their cells in the early stages and provide them with a better chance of successful treatment.
3. Get vaccinated against HPV infection. This will reduce the risk of cancer by about 70%, along with regular cervical cancer screening.

Treatment

At the beginning of cervical cancer, surgery is highly effective. However, if the cancer has already spread, then radiation therapy, either through irradiation or a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy medication, may be used.

Prevention

Cervical cancer is a disease that can be prevented if it is detected early, before any symptoms appear. To do this, doctors use a Pap Smear test, which collects cells from the cervix and examines them for cancer cells. By detecting pre-cervical cancer, doctors can take steps to prevent the cancer from developing further.

• Avoid having multiple sex partners.
• Avoid sexually transmitted infections If in doubt, use a condom.
• If you experience abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding after sex, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
• All sexually active women should undergo a Pap Smear at least once a year to look for signs of cervical cancer.

What HPV is ... a virus that could hurt women in many ways

HPV is a highly contagious virus with more than 100 strains. Most will go away on their own. But in some people, if the body cannot get rid of it, it can cause various diseases. HPV can be divided into 2 major groups:

1. Cancer-causing types of HPV, such as HPV 16 and 18, which are dangerous and cause 70% of cervical cancer. vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer
2. Although HPV 6 and 11 are less virulent viruses, they can still cause contagious diseases such as genital warts. These warts are treatable, but generally, they recur. Although HPV does not cause cancer, it is important to take proper precautions to avoid transmission of the virus.

HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including through skin-to-skin contact of the external genitalia. This virus can be transmitted during sexual intercourse between partners of any gender, and it can cause genital cancer in both men and women. Generally, men carry the virus and can spread it to their partners through sexual intercourse.

HPV Vaccination

Stimulating the body's immune system to fight against HPV 16 and HPV 18 is an effective way of protecting the cervix from cervical cancer, as these two strains of the virus are responsible for around 70% of all cases. Developing immunity to HPV infection can help reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Medical Doctor

Dr. Manat Surathanon

Obstetrics and Gynecology Department