Detecting Cervical Cancer Early

Detecting Cervical Cancer Early
The cause of cervical cancer or cancer of the cervix is ​​still unknown. However, this disease is often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In addition, the emergence of this cancer is also closely related to hereditary factors and sexually transmitted diseases.

In Indonesia, cervical cancer is ranked second for the type of cancer most commonly experienced by women, after breast cancer. This cancer forms when cells in the cervix or cervix develop into malignant.

Detecting cervical cancer as early as possible is part of an effort to prevent the fatal consequences of this cancer. Here are some ways to detect cervical cancer early:

1. Pap smear

A Pap smear aims to see the presence of cells that may develop into cancer. This test is done by taking a sample of cells in the cervix.

The cells in the sample are then viewed using a microscope to determine whether the cells are normal, have precancerous properties (cancer potential), or are already cancerous. Through a Pap smear, doctors can also perform an HPV DNA test, which is one of the examinations for early detection of cervical cancer.

Here are the recommended Pap smear schedules based on age:

Women aged 25–49 years: every 3 years

Women aged 50–64 years: every 5 years

Women over 65 years: only if there are certain complaints in the cervix and surrounding area or have never had a Pap smear since the age of 50

2. Colposcopy

This test uses a special tool called a colposcope to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva directly. If abnormalities are found during the colposcopy test, tissue samples will be taken for examination in the laboratory.

3. Schiller Test

The Schiller test is performed by applying an iodine solution to the cervix to detect the presence of abnormal tissue. Healthy tissue will be brown after being applied, while abnormal tissue will be white or yellow.

4. Endocervical curettage (ECC)

Endocervical curettage is performed to examine parts of the cervix that are not accessible during the colposcopy test. In this examination, the inside of the cervix (endocervix) will be slightly scraped using a special tool shaped like a small spoon, to obtain a sample for examination.

Efforts to prevent cervical cancer include:

Healthy lifestyle (maintained nutrition, exercise, not smoking)

Not changing sexual partners.

Maintaining cleanliness of the genital area.

HPV vaccine.

Early detection through routine pap smears and IVA

Having safe sex, for example using condoms:

can help prevent cervical cancer by reducing the risk of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, which is the main cause of this disease. Maintaining cleanliness of intimate organs is one important way to prevent cervical cancer

There are a number of foods that can be consumed to prevent cervical cancer, such as:

a. Foods with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals (calcium and folic acid), such as tuna, liver, eggs, oranges, carrots, and dairy products.

b. Foods that are rich in vitamin B and folate such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and so on.

c. Avocado, known as a fruit rich in unsaturated fats that can act as a cancer cell killer, and its content is similar to chemotherapy agents such as cyclophosphamide.

d. Salmon, cherries, blueberries, and fat because they are rich in antioxidants needed to prevent cervical cancer.

e. Polyphenols and flavonoids, through olive oil, green tea, chocolate, red grapes, black raspberries, blackberries, walnuts, green peppers, and tomatoes.