The Value of Early Detection in Preventing HPV-Related Cervical Cancer

The media has devoted more attention in recent years to cervical cancer. The prevalence of cervical cancer has increased globally, thanks in part to messages from celebrities urging their followers to get regular exams and from health professionals stressing the need of vaccinations.

“Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, especially strains 16 and 18, is the leading cause of cervical cancer and is mostly transmitted via sexual contact. The lower portion of the uterus, the cervix, becomes infected with HPV, which causes the formation of aberrant cells that may potentially become malignant. It’s crucial to remember that not everyone infected with the virus will get cancer. The Pap Smear test may not be able to identify it right away since it grows gradually and may not show any signs at all, according to Dr. Murugan Nandagopal, Senior Scientist & General Manager, LifeCell International Pvt Ltd.

Cervical cancer is a big problem in India, according to GLOBOCAN 2020, where it is the third most prevalent cancer with an incidence rate of 18.3% (123,907 cases) and the second main cause of death with a mortality rate of 9.1%. 18 people have an age-standardized incidence rate per 100,000 people, and 42.82 people have a 5-year prevalence rate across all ages per 1 lakh people.

According to the National Cancer Registry Programme, 6-29% of all malignancies in Indian women are cervical cancers. With a 27.7% incidence rate, the district of Papumpare in Arunachal Pradesh has the highest prevalence of cervical cancer.These reasons make it essential to spread knowledge about the illness across the nation and create effective early diagnosis and prevention strategies.

The significance of early cervical cancer diagnosis and preventative screening

Early identification and preventive screening are essential in the battle against cervical cancer. Regular screenings are necessary to find any abnormal cell changes before they develop into cancer since cervical cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Early cervical cancer detection allows for more efficient treatment with fewer intrusive procedures, better results, and a lower risk of recurrence. In contrast, the five-year survival rate for women with advanced cervical cancer is just around 17%, whereas it is over 92% for women with early-stage cervical cancer. As a consequence, it is critical that women have routine cervical cancer screenings and act quickly upon any abnormal findings, says Dr. Nandagopal.

The most effective method for early cervical cancer detection

Early identification of cervical cancer is essential for effective treatment and recovery. Every woman should have several essential tests, according to Dr. Nandagopal.

PCR testing kit for HPV

This kit use PCR technology, which allows it to identify and replicate certain DNA segments. It is used to detect the presence of HPV strains with a high risk of causing cervical cancer. While the real-time variation procedure monitors and provides the findings after each amplification cycle, the traditional PCR technique quantifies the quantity of target HPV DNA at the end-point. This method can identify the strain causing the infection and detect the target HPV genotype in real time more quickly and precisely. With the accurate, dependable, and quick findings provided by this self-collection home sample test kit, people can be sure they and their partners are protected against HPV infections.

HPV testing or Pap tests

These tests may identify aberrant cervix cell changes before they progress to cancer. A sample of cervix cells is taken for the Pap test, commonly known as a Pap smear, and inspected under a microscope for any abnormal alterations. The HPV test evaluates if a person is at risk of developing cervical cancer as a result of the virus. Regular Pap and HPV tests, as advised by a healthcare professional, may aid in the early detection of cervical cancer and improve the likelihood of effective treatment.

In conclusion, it is crucial to encourage the early identification and prevention of cervical cancer brought on by HPV. This may be accomplished by raising public knowledge of the condition, educating people about it, providing access to HPV immunizations, and conducting routine cervical cancer screenings including Pap and HPV DNA testing. We can decrease the prevalence of cervical cancer and save many lives by following these actions. To prioritize cervical cancer prevention and early detection activities, it is crucial for people, healthcare professionals, and politicians to collaborate.