Dr. Nguyen Thi Quy Khoa, deputy head of the obstetrics department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, stated that HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer and several other cancers, including throat, penile, anal, and vulvar cancers. HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. After infection, the body needs 1-2 years to eliminate the virus naturally. If not completely eliminated, HPV persists in the genital mucous membranes, potentially causing cellular changes and leading to cancer.

Currently, there's no method to completely eradicate HPV. Doctors can remove lesions caused by the virus but cannot eliminate it entirely. Persistent HPV infection (the same strain persisting for 12-24 months or more) can progress to cancer. If the infection persists beyond 2 years, the risk of developing precancerous lesions (CIN2/3) increases.

Cancer risk is influenced by the type of HPV strain. HPV 16 and 18 pose the highest risk, followed by HPV 31, 33, and 45. Other risk factors include high viral load, weakened immune systems, and lack of vaccination.

For instance, Thanh, 40, from Dak Lak, contracted HPV 18 seven years ago. Following a normal Pap smear result, she didn't attend follow-up appointments. Recently, experiencing pain and bleeding after intercourse, she visited Tam Anh General Hospital. A polyp was discovered on her cervix, and a white lesion was observed during a colposcopy. A biopsy confirmed CIN 3, which had progressed to stage 2 invasive adenocarcinoma of the uterine polyp. Since Thanh had completed her family, doctors performed a total hysterectomy, preserving her ovaries.

Dr. Khoa explained that Thanh's case involved a high-risk, persistent HPV infection (lasting over two years without natural elimination), which, due to lack of follow-up treatment, led to cervical cancer.

Dr. Khoa advises women with HPV to have regular checkups. Photo illustration: Thanh Luan

Dr. Khoa advises women with HPV to have regular checkups. Photo illustration: Thanh Luan

Cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of tissues in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. HPV is linked to 90% of cervical cancer cases. Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy is rare. Pregnant women with HPV typically don't experience miscarriages, premature births, or other pregnancy complications. While there are no specific medical recommendations on breastfeeding for mothers with HPV, it's generally advisable to follow a doctor's guidance.

Unlike many sexually transmitted diseases, HPV often has no noticeable symptoms. Individuals usually discover the infection through cervical cancer screening or detection of precancerous lesions. Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, medical director of VNVC Vaccination Center System, stated that individuals infected with one HPV strain can still be vaccinated against other strains. The HPV vaccine protects against other HPV types, reducing the risk of reinfection and related complications.

The American Cancer Society recommends Pap smears every 3 years for women aged 21-29 and combined Pap smears and HPV DNA tests every 5 years for women aged 30-65. A healthy lifestyle also contributes to reducing cervical cancer risk. Women should practice safe sex, limit the number of sexual partners, quit smoking, maintain a nutritious diet, and exercise to boost immunity.

According to Globocan 2022, cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women globally, with over 600,000 new cases and over 340,000 deaths. Vietnam recorded approximately 4,600 new cases and over 2,500 deaths.

Tue Diem

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