One of the Top Silent Threats to Thai Women?

Cervical Cancer is one of the most common cancers found in Thai women and is one of the few cancers that is almost 100% preventable if the causes are understood and consistent screening is performed.

The key factor in the development of Cervical Cancer is infection with the high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

🔬 Primary Cause: What is the HPV Virus?

Almost all Cervical Cancer cases (more than 99%) are caused by HPV infection, particularly high-risk strains like HPV-16 and HPV-18.

• HPV is: A virus transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, typically occurring during sexual intercourse (including oral, anal, and genital contact).
• Symptoms: Most people infected with HPV often do not show symptoms, meaning they are unaware of the infection and can transmit it to others.
• Progression: When the body is infected with high-risk HPV for a prolonged period (often taking 10-20 years), cells in the cervix gradually change into abnormal cells before finally developing into cancer.

Warning Signs Often Overlooked

Cervical Cancer often shows no symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening is the most crucial step. However, if the disease progresses, the following symptoms may occur:

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Bleeding after sexual intercourse, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after menopause.
2. Abnormal discharge: Excessive discharge, foul odor, or may be mixed with blood.
3. Pain: Lower abdominal pain or pain during sexual intercourse.
4. Other symptoms in advanced stages: Blood in urine or feces (when cancer has spread to the bladder or large intestine), leg swelling.

🛡️ Key Prevention and Screening

Cervical Cancer is a preventable cancer through two main methods: primary prevention (vaccination) and secondary prevention (screening for early detection of abnormalities).

1. HPV Vaccination (Primary Prevention)

   The HPV vaccine is the best method to prevent infection with the virus that causes Cervical Cancer.

   • Target Group: Recommended for girls and boys aged 9-15, and can be administered to women aged 15-45 to protect against high-risk strains they have not yet been exposed to.
   • Vaccine Types: Available in 2, 4, and 9-valent types, with the 9-valent type offering the broadest coverage.

2. Cervical Cancer Screening (Secondary Prevention)

   Screening helps doctors detect changes in cervical cells while they are still pre-cancerous, which makes them easier to treat and offers a high chance of complete cure.

   Screening Method	Brief Description	Recommended Frequency
   Pap Smear	Detects abnormal cervical cells (Cytology)	Every 1 or 3 years
   HPV DNA Test	Detects the genetic material of high-risk HPV strains that directly cause cancer	Every 5 years
   Co-testing (Pap + HPV Test)	Testing both methods together is considered the most highly accurate method	Every 5 years

   Recommendation: All women who have been sexually active or are aged 25 and older should undergo regular Cervical Cancerscreening, even if they have been vaccinated against HPV.

Conclusion

Cervical Cancer is a silent threat that should not be overlooked, as over 80% of patients often show no symptoms. The best prevention is a combination of HPV vaccination and regular screening every 1-3 or 5 years to detect abnormalities early.

Don't wait for symptoms. Consult a doctor immediately to undergoCervical Cancer screening by a specialist for confidence and safety from this serious cancer.

This article is prepared for the purpose of providing basic health information and cannot be used as a substitute for diagnosis or medical advice from a specialized physician.