揭秘宫颈癌的常识：每位女性都应了解的宫颈筛查和宫颈癌常识

Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer worldwide, (after breast cancer) and the second most common cause of cancer deaths amongst Malaysian women and in the Asia Pacific region. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women over 15 years of age. One woman in the world dies of cervical cancer every 2 minutes. About 500,000 women globally are diagnosed with cervical cancer with an average of 270,000 deaths a year.

Sexually active women are at risk of being affected by cervical cancer or more commonly by the early stages of the disease i.e. cervical pre-cancer. Women at increased risk of developing cervical pre-cancer or cancer include women having several sexual partners, young women (less than 25 years of age and have had sexual intercourse at an early age of 16 years or less) or women having a male partner who has had several different sex partners.

Currently, there are 2 vaccines available to prevent cervical cancer. Cervical cancer vaccine helps prevent but does not treat these diseases. However, it is not a substitute for routine Pap smears for cervical cancer screening. It is estimated that in the absence of vaccination, the vast majority of sexually active people will become infected by HPV virus in their lifetime. Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, hence they may transmit the virus unknowingly.

Cervarix® cervical cancer vaccine provides nearly 100% protection against HPV types 16 and 18 associated pre-cancerous lesions. Cervarix® induces a stronger and more sustained immune response than the other vaccine. Cervarix with AS04 adjuvant system provides cross protection against infection of HPV 45 & 31, which are the third and fourth most common types found in cervical cancer globally. The primary vaccination course consists of three doses, given at 0, 1 and 6 months. Most importantly, it is not a substitute for routine Pap smears for cervical cancer screening.

Gardasil® the other vaccine available is a vaccine that helps protect against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 which are associated with cervical cancer, precancerous changes of the cervix and vulva, and genital warts. Children and adolescents aged 9 years and above can receive Gardasil®. The vaccine works best when given to persons with no prior HPV contact although possible benefits can be derived in persons who may have had previous HPV exposure. It is given as an injection and a complete course consists of 3 doses where the 2nd and 3rd doses are administered 2 months and 6 months after the 1st dose respectively.

These vaccines help prevent but does not treat these diseases. Again, it is not a substitute for routine Pap smears for cervical cancer screening.