What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has released relevant information on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, with the goal of preventing it.
HPV vaccination and early detection through Pap smears are fundamental strategies applied by the IMSS in its more than 1,500 Family Medicine Units (UMF) to prevent cervical cancer in women aged 25 to 64 .
Dr. Daniel Baltazar Salazar, Coordinator of Medical Programs for the Chronic Disease and Cancer Detection Area, explained that high HPV vaccination coverage significantly reduces the risk of infection, which is why the IMSS applies this vaccine to girls in their fifth year of primary school, those aged 11 who are not enrolled in school, and those aged 15 or younger if they have not yet received the single dose of the immunization .
Read: Cartel attacks Michoacán town again with drones and explosivesHe said that The Pap test consists of inserting a vaginal speculum to view the cervix and take a sample of cells. , which are analyzed to identify early lesions that can become cancer, so it is important to identify them in order to treat them immediately.
"The Pap smear is performed from ages 25 to 64 ; however, it can also be performed on any woman who has had sexual relations and requests it at her UMF (Federal Medical Center). After two annual exams with normal results, the test is indicated every three years," she noted.
The specialist assigned to the Disease Prevention and Detection Division explained that in 2023, the IMSS performed 4.1 million screenings on women between the ages of 25 and 64, a record number for the Institute.
Question: This is how the attack on another mini-casino in Culiacán left people dead.Dr. Baltazar Salazar explained that There are risk factors that can lead to the development of cervical cancer in women aged 25 to 64: starting sexual relations before the age of 18, a history of sexually transmitted diseases, cervical-vaginal HPV infection, having multiple sexual partners, smoking or exposure to smoke, malnutrition, antioxidant deficiency, never having had a Pap smear, and prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives. .
She called on women to report unusual bleeding between periods, after menopause or during sexual intercourse, heavy or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, symptoms such as persistent pain in the back, legs or pelvis, loss of weight and appetite, fatigue, vaginal discomfort or leg swelling .
Dr. Daniel Baltazar Salazar pointed out that Cervical cancer is a disease caused by HPV. Therefore, the IMSS treats this condition through its Colposcopy services, where a series of tests will be performed to confirm the diagnosis and treatment will be provided in those cases that require it.
Check out: The OTHER problems facing Lake Chapala besides the droughtShe indicated that Primary Care Units provide specialized counseling through the promotion of healthy habits to achieve good nutrition, risk reduction, and monitoring in the event of a positive result for precursor lesions or cervical cancer. This also includes promoting and raising awareness among families and partners to attend the PrevenIMSS Modules annually.
Furthermore, those who have already developed the disease are urged to attend their follow-up appointments on time to maintain close surveillance and promptly address any recurrence, in addition to continuing screening for other diseases.
The Coordinator of Medical Programs for the Chronic Disease and Cancer Detection Area of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) emphasized the importance of commemorating this date in order to highlight and intensify efforts against cervical cancer, given that it is the fourth most common type of malignancy in women worldwide and, as a result, 20 percent of children lose their mothers to this cause.
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OA
- IMSS
- Human Papillomavirus
- HPV
- Pap smear
- Cervical cancer
- Public health
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