Will I get cervical cancer if I get HPV? What are the measures to prevent cervical cancer?

There is a gradual natural course from HPV infection to the occurrence and development of cervical cancer, which usually lasts about 5 to 10 years. Therefore, as long as women undergo regular cervical cancer screening, it is entirely possible to detect the "signs" of the disease in time and nip it in the bud. At present, the five-year survival rate of patients with early cervical cancer can reach 85% to 90%.

HPV infection = cervical cancer?

The occurrence of cervical cancer is closely related to a virus called human papillomavirus (HpV). Studies have shown that persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus is a necessary factor for cervical cancer and its precancerous lesions. This virus can be detected in the vast majority of cervical cancer patients.

Any sexually active woman may be infected with HPV through sexual contact. About 80% of women will be infected with the virus in their lifetime.

However, cervical cancer does not necessarily occur after being infected with HPV, because everyone has a certain immunity. Studies have shown that after being infected with HPV, the immune system of most women can enter the body and eliminate HPV. Only a few women cannot eliminate what enters the body. HPV, causing persistent infection with HPV, may lead to cervical precancerous lesions. Some patients will further develop cervical cancer in about 5 to 10 years.

Will HPV infection develop into cervical cancer? It depends on the type of HPV. There are more than 100 subtypes of HPV virus. The most common types of HPV infection in the female reproductive tract are 6, 11, 16, and 18. Among them, HpV6 and HpV11 are low-risk types. Studies on cervical cancer from all over the world have found that HpV types 16 and 18 are high-risk types. The infection rate of HpV16 and HpV 18 in cervical cancer patients is the highest.

These women should pay attention to prevent cervical cancer

Women of childbearing age should not neglect annual gynecological examinations, including cervical cytology examinations such as Pap smears or liquid-based cytology (TCT) examinations, which are important methods for detecting cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Especially the following groups at high risk of cervical cancer should not take it lightly:

Those with high-risk persistent HPV infection, i.e., those with positive results in HPV16 and HPV18 tests;

Unhealthy sexual behavior factors, including early sexual life, multiple sexual partners, and poor sexual hygiene, increase the risk of cervical cancer;

Women who marry and have children early and have multiple pregnancies;

Male or female genital warts, syphilis, gonorrhea, etc. will increase the risk of cervical cancer in women;

People with weakened immune function, smoking, and malnutrition.

Don't ignore the clues

Cervical cancer may not cause any discomfort in the early stages, and some symptoms can be easily ignored. Women of childbearing age should learn to pay attention to the body's "health alarms", which are sometimes just "clues", but hidden dangers are possible.

Contact bleeding: mainly refers to bleeding after sexual intercourse or gynecological examination, bleeding after urination. Even if it is only once and the amount is small, you should be vigilant.

Abnormal vaginal discharge: Most cervical cancer patients have varying degrees of increased vaginal discharge, so women should pay attention to the nature, quantity and smell of vaginal discharge. Especially when a large amount of watery or mucous vaginal discharge is found, it must be paid attention.