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1. CERVICAL CANCER
Cervical cancer is a disease that can appear as early as 20-25 years old, although the age group 45-49 is the most affected. The risk of developing it, though lower, still remains even in older age.
2. WHAT CAUSES IT?
This cancer is mainly caused by a virus called Human Papillomavirus – HPV, usually transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. Although in most cases the human body can get rid of it, sometimes it can damage the cells in the cervix, leading to cancer that is initially localized but later can become invasive.
3. WHAT'S THE ADVANTAGE OF SCREENING?
Screening is the best way to detect cell changes in the cervix caused by the virus. Early detection allows for treatment that can first prevent the progression to cancer and, if cancer is already present, slow down its development.
4. IS THERE ANY WAY TO FIGHT HPV?
Nowadays, there is already a vaccine against HPV that considerably reduces the likelihood of cancer developing. However, since this vaccine is intended for teenagers, all women from the age of 25 should undergo screening.
5. HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN SCREENING?
All women between the ages of 25 and 64 will be called by their family doctor to have a cervical cytology test – a Pap smear – every 3 years. It is a simple, safe, and free test. In cases with a positive result, women will be properly referred to hospital institutions in the Regional Health Service. Of these, only a very small number will have cancer which, even so, in the vast majority of cases, will be curable as it was detected early. That’s why prevention is running against time in favor of life, to schedule your screening. Join the screening and be the first to spread the word.
Any woman between 25 and 64 years old, who has not yet been called, can call her Health Unit to schedule her screening.
Join the screening and be the first to spread the word.
PREVENTION IS AN ACT OF LOVE!
