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Cervical cancer is a preventable disease

World Cancer Day is an initiative to remind women of the importance of taking care of their health and getting regular check-ups, as cervical cancer can be asymptomatic for long periods of time.

Prevent this disease with a conscious approach to your health.
Cervical cancer — one of the most common female cancers and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women 1, 2
In 2022, worldwide, there were registered
  • 660k new cases of cervical cancer 2
  • 350k deaths from cervical cancer 2
Over the past 10 years since 2012, the incidence rate has increased by 24.5%, while the mortality rate has risen by 29.6% 2,3
The fact is that this disease can remain asymptomatic for a long time 4
Therefore, many women who do not undergo regular check-ups are diagnosed with this disease at later stages. However, cervical cancer can be cured if it is detected early and treatment is started promptly. 1
91%
is the relative five-year survival rate for early-stage cervical cancer diagnosis 1
up to 95%
of cervical cancer cases are caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the cervix, which can persist in the body for a long time without treatment 1
Typically, the process of transforming infected cells into cancer takes 15 — 20 years 1
However, with immune system disorders, this process accelerates to 5-10 years because the body's ability to fight the infection weakens 1
6 times
higher is the likelihood of developing cervical cancer in HIV-positive patients than in women without HIV 1
Knowing your HPV status is crucial for the prevention of cervical cancer
Awareness of high-risk HPV types allows for timely medical examinations and early detection of precancerous changes. 6
Your healthcare provider will help you choose the appropriate type of human papillomavirus (HPV) test 6
Precancerous conditions of the cervix
Cervical cancer is preceded by precancerous conditions of the cervix, which are important to detect and treat in a timely manner.
Precancerous conditions of the cervix are characterized by dysplasia of the normal epithelium — a condition in which abnormal cell division disrupts the normal development and maturation of cells, leading to uncontrolled tissue growth. 7
Groups of precancerous cervical conditions: 7
  • cervical dysplasia
    • mild dysplasia (CIN-I)
    • moderate dysplasia (CIN-II)
    • severe dysplasia (CIN-III)
  • leukoplakia with atypia
  • erythroplakia
  • adenomatosis
The presence of HPV in a woman's body plays a key role in the development of precancerous cervical conditions 8
When HPV is combined with herpes simplex virus type II, chlamydial, or cytomegalovirus infections, the risk of developing cervical precancerous conditions increases. 8
The development of precancerous cervical conditions can also be facilitated by: 8
  • long-term use of estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives
  • early childbirth
  • inflammatory processes (cervicitis)
  • cervical injuries during abortions and childbirth
  • hormonal and immune homeostasis disorders
  • onset of sexual activity before the age of 16
  • frequent change of sexual partners
  • the presence of serious diseases in close relatives
  • smoking
If HPV or precancerous conditions are detected based on the doctor's assessment, it is necessary to prepare for potentially long-term treatment.
HPV is the main cause of precancerous and cervical cancer development
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect the skin and mucous membranes, including the throat and genital area. 1
Typically, the immune system clears HPV from the body on its own. However, certain factors, such as a weakened immune system, can increase the risk of the virus persisting. If it remains in the body, precancerous changes can develop in the cervical cells over time, potentially leading to cancer. 1
This is especially true for high-risk HPV types, which are associated with an increased risk of malignant transformation. These include: 9
type 16 type 18 type 31 type 51 type 52
70%
of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV types 16 and 18 9
The risks
of HPV infection
The risk of HPV infection is increased by: 9
  • weakened immune system
  • micro-injuries to the basal layer of the epithelium
  • urinary and genital infections
  • endometriosis
  • bad habits
  • frequent change of sexual partners

Cervical Cancer Risk Assessment Test

We have prepared a test 10 to help you identify your individual risk factors for developing cervical cancer. Take it to make your prevention strategy more targeted and personalized.

Important! This test is intended for women aged 21 to 69 who have had at least one sexual contact and have not undergone a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix

Question 1

How old are you?

(You may specify the age range as 21 to 69 years)

(You may specify the age range as 21 to 69 years)

Question 2

How old were you at the time of your first sexual intercourse?

Question 3

Have you had sexual contact with more than one partner?

Question 4

When was the last time you had a Pap smear or an HPV test?

Question 5

Has your mother or sister ever been diagnosed with cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia?

Question 6

Have you ever been diagnosed with any of the following conditions? (If yes, please check all that apply)

Question 7

Do you smoke?

Question 8

Do you eat two or more servings (cups) of fruits and vegetables on most days?

You have completed the test!
Check your results below

RESULTS

Your answers indicate that you do not have the main risk factors for developing cervical cancer (CC) considered in this test.

The information you provided also indicates positive habits that, to varying degrees, reduce the likelihood of malignant changes in the cervix:

  • You did not have sexual intercourse before the age of 18. Early sexual debut is considered a risk factor because it increases the likelihood of HPV infection.
  • You have had only one sexual partner. Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of HPV infection and, consequently, the risk of developing cervical cancer.
  • You undergo screening regularly. You indicated that you have had a Pap smear or an HPV test within the past 5 years. Regular screening is one of the most important preventive measures against cervical cancer, as it allows precancerous changes to be detected and treated in a timely manner. The recommended screening interval may vary.
  • You do not smoke. Smoking increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.
  • You consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables.

Your answers indicate that you have one or more risk factors for developing cervical cancer (CC)

Risk factor is any condition or behavior that increases the likelihood of developing a disease. However, having a risk factor does not mean that you will necessarily develop cervical cancer.

Primary risk factor:

  • You have a history of HPV infection. Infection with certain types of HPV is the most important risk factor for developing cervical cancer. Most women diagnosed with cervical cancer have been infected with this virus.

Secondary risk factors:

  • You had at least one sexual contact before the age of 18. Sexual activity at a young age is considered a risk factor because it increases the likelihood of HPV infection
  • You have had sexual contact with more than one partner. Having multiple sexual partners is considered a risk factor because it increases the likelihood of HPV infection
  • You have HIV or AIDS. HIV infection, or any condition that weakens the immune system, increases the risk of HPV infection and reduces the body’s ability to clear the virus in women
  • You have a history of chlamydia, which may increase the risk of developing cervical cancer
  • Your close female relatives have had cases of cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia. Research suggests that certain genes may influence the body’s ability to fight HPV infection
  • You are XX y. o. The likelihood of developing cervical cancer increases in midlife and gradually declines after the age of 50
  • You smoke. Smoking increases the risk of developing cervical cancer
  • You do not consume enough fruits and vegetables
  • You have never had a Pap smear or an HPV test, or you had one more than 5 years ago. Skipping examinations or undergoing screening irregularly may result in missing precancerous changes in cervical cells

Your results also indicate positive habits that, to varying degrees, reduce the likelihood of developing cervical cancer:

  • You did not have sexual intercourse before the age of 18. Early sexual debut is considered a risk factor because it increases the likelihood of HPV infection.
  • You have had only one sexual partner. Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of HPV infection and, consequently, the risk of developing cervical cancer.
  • You undergo screening regularly. You indicated that you have had a Pap smear or an HPV test within the past 5 years. Regular screening is one of the most important preventive measures against cervical cancer, as it allows precancerous changes to be detected and treated in a timely manner. The recommended screening interval may vary.
  • You do not smoke. Smoking increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.
  • You consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables.
What is important to know about cervical cancer risk factors?

The main risk factor is HPV infection

Most cases of cervical cancer are associated with it.

How is it transmitted?

HPV is transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity. The risk of infection increases if you began sexual activity at an early age, have had multiple sexual partners during your lifetime, or if your partner has had many sexual partners.

Not all HPV types are the same

There are more than 150 types of HPV. Some cause genital warts but not cancer. About two-thirds of all cervical cancer cases are caused by just two types — HPV 16 and 18. However, most women infected with these types do not develop cervical cancer, as the body often clears the infection on its own.

Asymptomatic course

HPV infection often has no symptoms, so a person may not know they are a carrier. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission but do not provide complete protection against HPV, as the virus can spread through contact with any infected area of skin. The most reliable ways to protect against HPV infection and the subsequent development of cervical cancer are timely HPV vaccination and regular screening.

Other factors that increase the risk of developing cervical cancer:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or a weakened immune system HIV and any other condition that weakens the immune system (for example, taking immunosuppressive medications after organ transplantation or for the treatment of autoimmune diseases) increase the risk of HPV infection and, consequently, the subsequent development of cervical cancer in women.
  • Chlamydia Recent studies suggest that past or current chlamydia infection may increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
  • Family history of cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia Women whose mothers or sisters have had cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer themselves. This may be because some women inherit conditions that reduce their ability to fight HPV infection.
  • Smoking Women who smoke develop cervical cancer approximately twice as often as non-smokers. Tobacco smoke contains numerous carcinogenic substances that circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream. Some of these substances have been detected in the cervical mucus of women who smoke.
  • An unbalanced diet low in fruits and vegetables Women who consume few fruits and vegetables may be at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
  • Irregular screening or lack of screening Regular Pap smears and HPV testing allow cervical cell changes to be detected and treated before they develop into cancer. Most cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in women who have never been screened or who were screened irregularly.

Important!

The Cervical Cancer Risk Assessment Test is not a diagnostic tool. Its results do not constitute a diagnosis and do not replace an individual consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Prevention
and diagnosis of cervical cancer
The basis of cervical cancer prevention consists of:
  • HPV vaccination
  • regular screenings
  • adhering to medical recommendations and treating precancerous conditions of the cervix
HPV vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective protection against the harmful strains of HPV. 9
95%
of cancer cases are prevented by vaccination 9
9-45 y. o
is the recommended age for girls and women to receive the HPV vaccination 9
And although it is most effective if the vaccine is administered before the onset of sexual activity — in this case, the risk of developing cancer is reduced to 1% — vaccination can still be done later. This is because, even if a patient has already been diagnosed with one type of HPV, the vaccine can still protect against other strains 9
Screening
It is not possible to independently identify conditions that precede cervical cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to: 1,11
  • undergo annual preventive examinations with a gynecologist
  • undergo annual cytological examination to detect atypical cells
  • undergo colposcopic examination if changes are detected, as per the doctor's recommendation
Awareness of your HPV status
HPV status is the result of HPV testing, which shows whether the patient is infected with the human papillomavirus, and if so, which specific types, as well as helping to assess the risk of developing precancerous and malignant changes.
If HPV is detected, monitoring and repeat testing are recommended after 6 to 12 months, including genotyping and determining the viral load. 12
Treatment of precancerous conditions
When precancerous conditions of the cervix are detected, immediate treatment should be initiated. It may be prescribed either during the first doctor's visit or after repeat testing, depending on the specific case. 1
In Russia, effective surgical methods and targeted medications have been developed and are used to treat dysplastic processes caused by HPV infection. The use of these treatments helps successfully manage the pathology. 6
Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of using medications indicated for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in patients with histologically confirmed neoplastic processes of the cervix. 13,14
By stimulating apoptosis of cells infected with the human papillomavirus and transformed cells, the following results can be achieved: 15
  • acceleration of the elimination of HPV-infected and transformed cells
  • normalization of estradiol metabolism in HPV-infected cells
  • enhancement of the nonspecific immune response to the infection
Randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of treating both mild and more severe degrees of dysplasia. 13,14 With course treatment, regression of dysplasia and elimination of HPV infection can be achieved. The use of these medications targets the cause of the pathological process without affecting normal cells. 13,14
Additional prevention
The following measures of nonspecific prevention can help reduce the risk of HPV infection: 9
  • maintaining a strong immune system
  • use of condoms
  • adjusting the diet to ensure sufficient intake of vitamins A, C, folic acid, and beta-carotene.
  • quitting smoking
  • limiting alcohol consumption
Cervical cancer is a preventable disease
Don't put off taking care of your health: visit a doctor and check your HPV status!
Sources cited:

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