What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops from the tissue of the cervix (the opening of the uterus) which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
The cervix is an anatomical area that dilates during childbirth, allowing the birth canal to open.
Serviks kanseri genellikle kanser öncesi bir dönem sonrasında gelişir. Bu dönemde hastalık belirti vermeyebilir; ancak yapılan tarama testleri sayesinde erken tanı konulabilir. Erken evrede tanı alan kadınlarda, tanı sonrası 5 yıllık sağ kalım oranı yaklaşık %92’dir.
Cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer worldwide after breast, lung, and colon cancer, is among the top ten most common cancers in our country.
How does cervical cancer develop?
Cervical cancer arises from precancerous cellular changes called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The time it takes for cancer to progress from the precancerous stage is approximately 6 years, offering a significant opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment.
HPV and Cervical Cancer
Serviks kanserlerinin yaklaşık %99’u, İnsan Papilloma Virüsü (HPV) enfeksiyonu ile ilişkilidir. HPV, 200’den fazla tipi bulunan bir virüs grubudur ve çoğu kişide herhangi bir sağlık sorununa yol açmaz. Ancak yüksek riskli HPV tipleriyle gelişen kalıcı enfeksiyon, serviks kanserinin başlıca nedenidir. Türkiye’de serviks kanseri vakalarının yaklaşık %70’i HPV tip 16 veya 18 ile ilişkilidir. HPV enfeksiyonu geçiren her kadında kanser gelişmez; ancak enfeksiyonun kalıcı olması risk oluşturmaktadır.
Cervical Cancer Screening
The most effective way to protect against cervical cancer is through regular screening. HPV tests are performed to detect the presence of high-risk HPV types in the cervix.
Women who test positive for HPV have an increased risk of developing precancerous lesions and are referred to gynecology and obstetrics clinics for further evaluation. Women who undergo regular screening have a lower probability of developing cervical cancer. It is very low.
National Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Türkiye
Cervical cancer is included in the National Cancer Screening Program.
During an HPV test, a small swab sample is taken from the cervix during a gynecological examination. This sample is examined in a laboratory to determine whether high-risk HPV types associated with cancer are present. The test procedure is quick, usually painless, and does not require anesthesia.
Screening services;
.Family Health Centers
.Cancer Early Detection, Screening and Education Centers (KETEM)
.Healthy Life Centers
.Mobile cancer screening vehicles
through free It is presented as follows.
What are the symptoms?
Cervical cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages. The earliest sign is an abnormal result on screening tests.
In later stages, the following symptoms may occur:
If any of these symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of cervical cancer include:
Treatment
Cervical cancer, when detected in its early stages, can usually be treated surgically.
In advanced stages, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies may be applied. The type of treatment is determined according to the stage of the disease.
Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer
Important Information
“"Early diagnosis saves lives in cancer."”
“"Don't fear cervical cancer, fear delaying treatment."”
“One test, one difference, one life. Say no to cervical cancer!”
“"Cervical cancer is preventable; get screened, don't postpone life."”
Turkish Ministry of Health, General Directorate of Public Health, Department of Cancer
