Cervical cancer screening by gynecologists is part of the program for many women. A new test should now deliver even more precise results. Nevertheless, you should pay attention to a few things in order to recognize this type of cancer in good time.
Annually to the smear: This is part of the cancer screening that all women can take advantage of. The HPV vaccination, which young girls and women now receive from the age of nine, also provides proven protection. Nevertheless, cervical cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer in women – although there are good early detection measures that are also covered by health insurance companies.
According to the manufacturer Roche, “Cobas”, the new self-collection test, should now deliver even better and earlier results. The screening is now approved for the EU member states, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein. The advantage of “Cobas”: Smaller amounts have to be taken for the samples, which also deliver faster results. Patients could take the samples themselves under the guidance of trained staff. So far, cervical cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer worldwide. In Germany, almost 4,320 women fall ill every year, of whom around 1,600 die, the RKI writes on its website. The supply situation is actually good. However, many patients do not recognize their symptoms in time.
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Cervical carcinoma has several causes. The most common is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The viruses intervene in normal cell processes and can thus severely damage the genetic material of a cell. Some are considered particularly dangerous. The cervix, i.e. the transition between the vagina and uterus, regularly renews its cell structure. Therefore, this area is particularly susceptible to cell changes and mutations. In such cases, the cells can mutate and a tumor develops.
In some cases, particularly malignant tumors, the so-called carcinomas, can develop. It is usually impossible for the immune system to fight against these malignant cells and metastases, and it can actually become weaker as a result. Thus, it becomes even easier for the malignant cells to multiply.
It usually takes around 15 years between HPV infection and cancer. Women over the age of 35 and between 60 and 70 are particularly affected. Cervical cancer has several symptoms, some of which can also be assigned to other diseases. It is therefore important for diagnostics to keep an eye on this in combination with regular screenings. The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) lists the following symptoms that you should look out for:
Since these symptoms are early warning signs, you should also pay attention to symptoms that can appear with advanced cervical cancer:
All women over the age of 20 are entitled to a check-up, which is covered by health insurance. According to the health insurance company “AOK”, this includes the annual Pap test. It was named after its inventor, the Greek doctor George Papanicolaou. A speculum is inserted into the vagina.
The doctor then uses a special spatula to take some tissue samples from the mucous membrane of the cervix or directly from the cervix. This sample is then sent to the laboratory. There, the microscope is used to examine whether the cells appear noticeably altered. If the tissue sample is abnormal, a further examination can be ordered, for example a new swab or a microscopic examination of the mucous membrane with a colposcope.
For women over the age of 35, an HPV test is added to the Pap smear. The sample taken from the smear test is also examined to determine whether there is genetic material from the HP virus. This test is considered very safe, so both tests are only carried out every three years. In addition, although young women are more likely to be infected with HPV, these infections are said to decrease more quickly than in older women.
Some HPV types have now been identified that are considered to be particularly dangerous, namely: HPV 16, 18, 31, 45, 51 and 52. Types 16 and 18 are responsible for 70 percent of all cervical cancers. Other types of HPV don’t cause cervical cancer, but they do cause genital warts. There are now vaccines against these types. Their effectiveness was widely researched until a worldwide vaccination campaign in 2009. Recently, a Swedish research team showed how the nationwide vaccination campaign in Sweden affected the number of cases.
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The HPV vaccination is recommended for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 14, but can still be made up for up to the age of 18. Although it cannot completely prevent infection, it can significantly reduce the risk. Other protective measures against HPV include safe sex, particularly the use of condoms.
Most important, however, are regular screenings in order to identify women with an increased risk in good time.
