Cervical cancer, one of the most diagnosed in women in Colombia. Here’s how to find it

Much has been said about the importance of early cancer detection, but there are still myths that cause confusion about this disease. In the case of cervical cancer, one of the most diagnosed in Colombian women, many mistakenly believe that screening tests are uncomfortable or painful. However, they are fast and passive, and there are several other options to prevent and treat it.

Most cases of cervical cancer are related to the Human Papilloma virus (HPV), which can be contracted by sexually active people who do not use condoms such as condoms. However, it can also develop due to a weakened immune system or a family history of this type of cancer.

Yajadira Lozano, National Nursing Coordinator at Profamilia, answers the main questions related to this type of cancer.

In its early stages, breast cancer may not have obvious symptoms, which makes it difficult to detect early. As it progresses, warnings arise such as vaginal bleeding (after sexual intercourse, between menstrual periods or during menopause), as well as vaginal discharge with a bad smell with the presence of blood, or pelvic pain during sex.

Although advanced age is one of the main risk factors for cancer in general, Breast cancer can occur at any stage of life. For every 100 thousand people, 25 cases occur up to the age of 20, 350 cases between 45 and 49 years and more than a thousand in adults over 60 years.

That is why it is essential to have good health habits from a young age so that it does not develop. It is recommended to avoid the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, a high diet of fruits and vegetables, exercise and go to the doctor regularly for examinations and tests.

The HPV vaccine is prophylactic in nature. That is, it is used to prevent infections, thus reducing the risk of breast cancer. The World Health Organization believes that the prevention of this disease is a public health priority, which is why they recommend that these vaccines be included in national vaccination programs to be effective.

A person who has been diagnosed often faces complications and challenges related to their diagnosis, which may affect various aspects of their lives, including sexual aspects. This is why the proposed procedures are so important, because in addition to allowing the treatment of the disease, they can affect how the patient reacts to the this process in life.

Although this type of cancer may present some discomfort to your sexual life, the most important thing is to maintain an open and honest communication with the partner, together with an appropriate psychological examination and follow up with medical examinations regular with a trusted gynecologist.

Organizations in the country such as Profamilia have care pathways for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, which include screening through cytology, HPV vaccination, evaluation by a specialist and procedures to examine the cervix or hysterectomy.