any given time. Almost 75 % of all sexually active adults are likely to be infected with at least one HPV type in their lifetime.
While majority of the HPV infections resolve on their own, some of them turn cancerous. It takes 15 to 20 years for cervical cancer to develop in women with normal immune systems. It can take only 5 to 10 years in women with weakened immune systems, such as those with an untreated HIV infection.
There are currently 2 vaccines that protect against both HPV 16 and 18, known to cause at least 70 % of cervical cancers. Clinical trials have found these vaccines to be safe and effective in preventing infection with HPV 16 and 18. The vaccines must be administered before the first sexual activity. WHO recommends vaccination for girls aged 9-13 years as this is the most costeffective public health measure against cervical cancer. If every female adheres to current HPV vaccination programs, cervical cancer rates will be reduced substantially.
However, HPV vaccination does not undo the need for cervical cancer screening, which is recommended for all women, even those who have undergone vaccination.
Other risk factors include:
• Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives
• Early initiation of sexual activity
• Multiple sex partners
• Tobacco smoking
• Co-infection with HIV
• Poor hygiene
• Diet low in antioxidants Treatment trends
Treatment options vary according to the stage of the cancer and other clinical factors that include maintaining fertility and pregnancy.
• Early cervical cancer is treated by various surgical modalities that include cryosurgery, laser surgery, cold knife conization, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, and hysterectomy.
• If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes and lymph vessels, a radical hysterectomy with the removal of pelvic lymph nodes is done.
• Advanced cancers require surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Various targeted drugs are also added to the chemotherapy regimen.
With more than 20 years of experience in pathology, Dr Lata Kini, Lead Clinical Pathologist, Core Diagnostics, has served both as an academician as well as laboratory practitioner. Besides being involved in setting up of equipment, she also conducts specialized programmes to generate awareness about the practise of personalised medicine and the innovative tests.
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