[Opinion] Preventing Cervical Cancer with Regular Checkups ... HPV Infection as a Major Cause

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the cervix, the entrance of the uterus, and is one of the most common cancers in the female reproductive system. An especially important point is that early detection is possible through regular screenings, which can significantly increase the cure rate. It mainly occurs in women in their 40s and 50s, but recently, there has been an increasing trend among younger women in their 20s and 30s, making regular screenings from a young age very important.

SMG Yonsei Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology_Department Head Yoomoon Geun.

The biggest cause of cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, and in most infected women, the virus naturally disappears due to the immune system. However, in some cases, persistent infection can lead to cancer. This progression can be detected and managed early through regular screenings, which greatly reduces the risk of cancer development.

The most notable characteristic of cervical cancer is that there are no clear symptoms in the early stages. This further emphasizes the importance of regular screenings. Symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sexual intercourse, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain appear only after the disease has progressed, so if detected after symptoms appear, the cancer may already be advanced. Therefore, early detection through regular screenings is very important even if there are no symptoms.

Among diagnostic methods, the cervical cytology test is a simple yet very effective early diagnostic method. This test takes about 5 minutes and causes almost no pain, so it can be done without burden. When detected at the precancerous lesion stage through regular screenings, the cure rate is very high. In Korea, cervical cancer screening is provided free of charge every two years to women aged 20 and over through the national cancer screening program, so it is advisable to actively utilize this service.

In conclusion, cervical cancer is a cancer for which early detection through regular screenings is most important. When detected early, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%, and the possibility of a complete cure is very high. Therefore, it is crucial to make regular screenings a habit even without symptoms and to practice appropriate management based on screening results. The key to preventing cervical cancer is early detection through regular screenings, which is an essential health management method for a healthy life for women.

Obstetrics and gynecology specialist, Director Moongeun Yoo