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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