Question

The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer have declined in the last 40 years in Western societies. Why? What preventable measures have been included in wellness exams?

Answer 1

Cervical cancer occurring in the cervix is one of the most common cancer found among women and the rate has come down drastically in the last 40 years due to new invention,treatment, screening and awareness program. Communication has made things easier by reaching to the remote areas and creating awareness (e.g.,Television, mass media,magazine,newspaper,social media etc.,).Wome above 35 to 45 are at risk and rare in wome less than 20 years.

The preventable measures in wellness exams and in general are as following

• Cervical screening made above 21 years once in 3 years
• Cervical screening and HPV test done in women above 30 years to 65 years every 5 years once
• In high risk cases it is done once in a year
• Vaginal swab test or Pap smear test a boon in identification of this diseases
• HPV vaccination
• Bimanual pelvic examination
• No smoking
• No multiple partner ,no relationship with infected man (genital warts)
• Delay sexual relationship till adult
• Visual inspection with ascetic acid
• If HPV is negative for last 15 year before 60 years thereafter screening can be stoped, if positive screen up to age 70
• Even a healthy life style with healthy diet are recommended in the wellness exams