Cervical cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases that cause death in women. Therefore, it is important for women to know how to detect and prevent this cancer early.
Cervical cancer or cervical cancer occurs due to infection with the HPV virus (human papillomavirus) which is usually spread through sexual contact. This deadly disease often causes no symptoms at first. When they do occur, symptoms are often mistaken for menstrual symptoms or urinary tract infections.
Generally, the symptoms experienced by cervical cancer sufferers are bleeding during sex or after menstruation menopause and menstruation, vaginal discharge containing blood and foul smelling, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse.
How to Detect Cervical Cancer Early
Detecting cervical cancer as early as possible is part of efforts to prevent the fatal consequences of this cancer. Here are some ways to detect cervical cancer early:
1. PAP smear
PAP smear aims to see the presence of cells that may develop into cancer. This test is done by taking a sample of cells in the cervix (neck of the womb).
The cells in the sample are then viewed using a microscope to determine whether the cells are normal, have precancerous properties (cancer candidate), or even cancerous.
The following is a recommended inspection schedule PAP smear by age:
- Women aged 25–49 years: every 3 years
- Women aged 50–64 years: every 5 years
- Women aged over 65 years: only if there are certain complaints on the cervix and the surrounding area or have never done PAP smear since the age of 50
2. Colposcopy
Colposcopy will usually be recommended by a doctor if there are suspected abnormal results from the test PAP smear.
This test uses a special instrument called a colposcope to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva directly. If an abnormality is found during the colposcopy test, a tissue sample will be taken for examination in the laboratory.
3. Schiller test
The Schiller test is performed by applying an iodine solution to the cervix to detect the presence of abnormal tissue. Healthy tissue will be brown after smearing, while abnormal tissue will be white or yellow.
4. Endocervical curettage (ECC)
Endocervical curettage examination is performed to examine the part of the cervix that is not reached during the colposcopy test. In this examination, the inside of the cervix (endocervix) will be slightly scraped using a special tool shaped like a small spoon, to obtain an examination sample.
5. Cone biopsy (cone biopsy)
This medical action is usually carried out if there are abnormal results from the results PAP smear, but it can also be done to remove precancerous cells or mild cervical cancer.
A cone biopsy is performed by taking a sample of tissue from the cervix. The tissue sample taken will be shaped like a cone and will be examined using a microscope.
6. Biopsy punch (punch biopsy)
Biopsy punch This is done by removing the required tissue sample using a circular knife. This procedure may be performed several times in the area around the cervix.
You can also do some new examinations, such as self-examination using a pad to detect cervical cancer early.
Cervical Cancer Prevention Efforts Apart from Early Detection
In addition to tests to detect cancer cells and tissues, you can also do some cervical cancer prevention efforts by:
Receiving the HPV vaccine
You are advised to receive the HPV vaccine as early as possible before becoming sexually active. Vaccination is carried out primarily to prevent infection with the HPV virus that causes the most cancers, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18.
Avoid risky sex
Practice safe sex using condoms can reduce the risk of infection with HPV. Also avoid sexual intercourse with multiple partners so that the risk of getting HPV infection can be minimized.
Avoid smoking habits
Women who smoke have a 3-4 times greater risk of developing cervical cancer. This is probably because smoking makes the immune system weaker in fighting the HPV virus.
In addition, the content of carcinogens (cancer-causing) contained in cigarettes can increase the activity of the HPV virus in the cervix. The HPV virus can also move more quickly to cervical cells.
Eat a balanced nutritious diet
The application of a healthy diet can also be a step to reduce the risk of developing cancer, including cervical cancer. Consumption of healthy foods can be started by eating lots of fruits and vegetables every day. Also avoid processed foods that are mostly high in calories but low in nutrients.
Mmaintain ideal body weight
In addition to cervical cancer, maintaining weight can also reduce the risk of developing other types of cancer. Maintaining an ideal body weight can be done by getting used to doing physical activity or sports regularly, such as walking for 30 minutes every day.
Cervical cancer prevention can be very successful if started early. Therefore, it is important for you to know what you need to do and improve at this time to prevent cervical cancer.
If you feel the complaints or symptoms of cervical cancer as mentioned earlier or are just confused about what preventive steps are most appropriate to take, you can consult a doctor.