The Cervix: A Small Gateway That Deserves Our Attention
Learning about the cervix is not just about understanding anatomy. It is about recognising an opportunity for prevention.
Cervical cancer vaccination: Why is it absolutely necessary for young boys and girls?
It usually takes 10–20 years for cervical cancer to develop after HPV infection. So if one can prevent cancer causing HPV infection in the first place and cervical precancerous changes in the cervical cells, eventually, cervical cancer can be prevented. Since we know that cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection, vaccines have been developed to prevent major cancer causing HPVs such as HPV 16 and 18 in addition to others.
Early detection and treatment of cervical precancerous changes can prevent cancer
Cancer is preceded by precancerous changes in the cervix that remain for several years before becoming cancer and these changes can be readily detectable by screening and effectively treatable.