Latest news with #cervicalcancer
Washington Post
14 hours ago
- Health
- Washington Post
At-home health tests are here. But they aren't always the best option
The doctor is in — the mailbox, that is. You can now do self-administered tests for everything from thyroid function to HIV in the privacy of your own home — and that list continues to grow, as the Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first at-home cervical cancer test .
Medscape
5 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Cut the Clutter in Gynaecological Cancer Diagnosis
More than 60% of patients with cervical cancer and 30% of those with endometrial cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when survival rates are lowest. Although intensifying screening may seem logical, unnecessary procedures can be harmful. Routine procedures such as ultrasound, though often considered harmless, can lead to poorly indicated hysteroscopies and unnecessary biopsies, causing physical and psychological discomfort, warned Louise De Brot, MD, PhD, in the Department of Pathology, São Paulo, Brazil. Therefore, prevention does not require as many clinical tests. 'The real challenge is applying screening to the population that will actually benefit from it,' explained Eduardo Batista Cândido, MD, PhD, president of the National Specialized Commission on Gynecologic Oncology of the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO). This is the principle behind quaternary prevention, which avoids unnecessary medical interventions that may cause more harm than good. However, this can be challenging for healthcare professionals who lack confidence. Studies have shown that less experienced doctors, particularly those with less than 10 years of practice, are more likely to prescribe unnecessary tests, leading to higher costs for patients. Cervical Screening International and Brazilian guidelines, such as those from the Ministry of Health and the National Cancer Institute, recommend cervical cancer screening using oncotic cytology in women aged 25-64 years who are sexually active. After two consecutive normal results, screening may be repeated every 3 years. In women aged under 25 years, human papillomavirus infections are often cleared without progressing to malignant disease. Cândido stated that 'If I identify a cellular alteration, I will have to perform a colposcopy, a targeted biopsy, and sometimes a mutilating procedure, such as high-frequency surgery, and this will have deleterious effects on the patient's health, without any benefit.' In the Unified Health System, oncotic cytology has been replaced by the human papillomavirus DNA test, a genomic test designed to identify viral subtypes 16 and 18, which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer precursor lesions. In addition to its high specificity, the test can be performed every 5 years. Andréia Gadelha, MD, a clinical oncologist and president of the Brazilian Group of Gynaecological Tumours, explained that patients who test positive should be closely monitored. It is important to perform diagnostic tests and assess their clinical relevance. Therefore, continuing the screening of older patients is often not beneficial for the patients. According to Louise, these patients may no longer be candidates for curative treatments. Other Cancers Although screening strategies for cervical cancer are well established, other types of gynaecologic cancers require a different approach. Ovarian and endometrial cancers should not be routinely screened in asymptomatic women without a family history of the disease. 'There is no evidence that imaging tests reduce mortality from a population perspective,' said Cândido. In these cases, imaging tests are not screening tools but serve as diagnostic aids when symptoms are present. 'If the patient has postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial thickening detected by ultrasound, the next step is to obtain a sample of the endometrium by biopsy,' explained Cândido. 'There's no need for an immediate biopsy if the lesion has completely benign characteristics and remains stable over time, if the complementary tests are reassuring, and if the patient is asymptomatic and at low epidemiological risk,' added Gadelha. According to the gynaecologic oncologist, further investigation is warranted in cases involving a complex mass or abnormal vascularisation, persistent bleeding with endometrial thickening, high-grade cytology or glandular atypia, growth of an adnexal mass, or elevated biomarkers with suspicious findings. 'Early detection is beneficial when it improves the prognosis without causing unnecessary harm. This means selecting patients with relevant risk factors and avoiding screening in low-risk populations,' explained Gadelha, reinforcing that clinical practice must be based on updated evidence and recommendations.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
6 risk factors for cervical cancer as Emmerdale's Sarah deals with diagnosis
Cervical cancer often strikes quietly, with no warning signs – a reality that ITV soap Emmerdale brings to light in a powerful new storyline, highlighting the importance of early detection. In her journey to become a mother, Sarah Sugden (played by Katie Hill) undergoes routine tests at a local fertility clinic, which uncover an inflamed cervix. The young mechanic, who suffers from fanconi anaemia – a rare inherited condition that can increase the risk of certain cancers – has already battled leukaemia and throat cancer, and fears the worst. Too scared to tell her family what is happening, 19-year-old Sarah goes for a biopsy on her own. In Tuesday night's episode, her fears are confirmed, as she is diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a cancer found anywhere in the cervix, part of the female reproductive system that connects the womb to the vagina. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lining grow in an uncontrolled way, and is most common in women aged 30-35. While it's rare for people under 25, like Sarah, to develop the disease, it can occur at any age. The new storyline aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and regular medical check-ups. Research from Cancer Research UK shows that around 3,300 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year – approximately 1 in 142 females will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime. Despite these numbers, awareness remains low, and uptake of cervical screening is worryingly below target. When former Big Brother star Jade Goody died from cervical cancer in 2009 at the age of 27, there was a surge in the number of women attending cervical screenings. But from 2023 to 2024, only 68.8% of eligible individuals aged 25 to 64 attended their free NHS cervical screening, leaving many at risk of late diagnosis. Cervical cancer can be difficult to detect early because many people don't experience any symptoms in its initial stages. That's why attending regular cervical screening appointments is so important – it can help catch potentially cancerous changes before symptoms appear or the disease develops. If you do have symptoms of cervical cancer, these may include: Unusual vaginal bleeding – such as bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause Pain or discomfort during sex – while various conditions can also cause this symptom, visit your doctor as soon as possible Persistent vaginal discharge – that may be watery, have a strong odour or be tinged with blood Pelvic pain – discomfort in the lower abdomen or between the hip bones While those with conditions like fibroids or endometriosis may get symptoms like these regularly, it is important to still have check-ups. "You might find you get used to them. But it's important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you," the NHS states. According to the NHS, almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that most sexually active people will contract at some point in their lives. HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact involving the genital area; vaginal, anal or oral sex and by sharing sex toys. While most HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infection with high-risk strains can lead to abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which may develop into cancer over time. Regular screening, and HPV vaccination – which is offered to all children in year 8 at school and free on the NHS for women under the age of 25 – are key to prevention. Other risk factors include: Having human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS Having other sexually transmitted infections (STI) alongside HPV Smoking The contraceptive pill is associated with a slightly higher risk The risk of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cervical cancer, is higher if your mother, sister or daughter has had cervical cancer Cervical screening – a test to check the health of your cervix and help prevent cervical cancer – is routinely offered to anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64 on the NHS. This includes women, trans men and non-binary people assigned female at birth who still have a cervix. You must be registered with a GP to receive automatic screening invitations. You'll receive invitations every three to five years, depending on your age and where you live. You may receive your first screening invitation up to six months before your 25th birthday. If you do, you can book your appointment right away, you don't need to wait until you officially turn 25. Those under 25 aren't routinely offered cervical screening on the NHS. This is because of the low rate of those affected and because it can lead to unnecessary treatment. Cancer Research UK data shows that while some cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in people who are under 25, the rates are very low, especially in the 15-19 age group, and the peak happens from above the age of 25. According to the Suffolk GP Federation, cervical screenings also haven't been shown to reduce the number of cervical cancers in this age group. It states: "In countries where cervical screening starts at 20 years old, the number of people under 25 diagnosed with cervical cancer is not significantly different than in countries that start screening at 25 years old." The NHS also says that HPV, which is common in people under 25, may cause abnormal cell changes, which often go back to normal in young people but could affect screening results. It adds: "Screening people under 25 can lead to over-treatment and could lead to an increased risk of early (premature) birth if they were to get pregnant in the future." If you are aged under 25, it's still important to pay attention to your body. If you experience symptoms, or are worried, you should speak to a GP or nurse as soon as possible. Medical professionals can assess your symptoms and recommend further testing if needed. The NHS has specific guidelines in place to help doctors and nurses support young women and people with a cervix aged 20 to 24, especially when they present with abnormal vaginal bleeding. The stage of cervical cancer describes the size of the tumour and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. It plays a crucial role in determining your treatment options and prognosis. Generally, the earlier the stage at diagnosis, the better the chances of successful treatment. Cancer Research UK has shared survival statistics for each stage of cervical cancer in England, covering diagnoses between 2013 and 2017. Approximately 95% survive for five years or more after being diagnosed with Stage 1 cervical cancer. In Stage 1, the cancer is usually small and has not spread beyond the cervix. At Stage 2, almost 70% survive for five years or more. At this stage, the cancer may have begun to spread outside the cervix but hasn't reached the pelvic wall or lower vagina. Over 40% survive for five years or more after being diagnosed with Stage 3. Cervical cancer at this stage has typically spread deeper into the pelvic area or to nearby lymph nodes in the abdomen or pelvis. Approximately 15% of those who have been diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer survive for five years or more. This is the most advanced stage, where cancer has spread to distant organs such as the bladder, rectum, or lungs. These figures highlight the importance of early diagnosis. Regular cervical screening helps detect changes before cancer develops or while it's still at a very early stage, significantly improving the chances of effective treatment. Finding out you have cervical cancer can be scary, but thankfully, there are a variety of resources and charities available to help you feel less alone. Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical and medical support to people with cancer in the UK. It offers a helpline, publishes booklets about cancer and treatments and has an online cervical cancer forum for anyone with the disease as well as their family members and loved ones. A leading cancer charity offering a wide range of resources and support for anyone impacted by cancer. Cancer Research UK provides detailed statistics on cervical cancer, offers easy-to-understand information about symptoms, treatment, and prevention, and hosts fundraising events like charity runs to support cancer research. Marie Curie offers care and support for people living with a terminal illness, including advanced cervical cancer, as well as their loved ones. The charity provides nursing care, emotional support, and practical guidance. A UK charity dedicated to raising awareness and funding research into the five gynaecological cancers: cervical, ovarian, womb, vaginal, and vulval. It offers a free, confidential information service called Ask Eve, staffed by specialist nurses, and also focuses on awareness, early diagnosis, and support. Read more about cervical cancer: DIY cervical screening kits could be rolled out from early 2026, NHS plan says (PA Media, 5-min read) Cervical cancer meant I needed a hysterectomy at 24. Now I'm grieving the children I'll never carry (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read) Cervical cancer 'to be eliminated in England by 2040' (PA Media, 3-min read)
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Cervical cancer fears grow as number of female pupils having HPV jab falls to 73 per cent on the back of pandemic 'vaccine fatigue'
The plan to eradicate cervical cancer in England is under threat due to a decline in children receiving the HPV vaccine in schools. Officials say parents' reluctance to have their children vaccinated since the pandemic has caused a 17 percentage point fall in the number of pupils having the human papillomavirus (HPV) jab. For girls aged 12 to 13, vaccination rates fell from 90 per cent before 2020 to 73 per cent last year. For boys, it fell from 82 per cent to 68 per cent, according to The Sunday Times. Schools blame the lowered rates on parents increasingly declining or not returning consent forms. Officials reportedly fear 'vaccine fatigue' is to blame for the fall, a phenomenon that has also affected other vaccination schemes. Vaccine fatigue is linked to a weariness towards jabs and public health appeals following excessive exposure to them during the pandemic. HPV causes 99 per cent of all cervical cancer cases and can lead to various cancers in men, resulting in hundreds of deaths a year. The success of the HPV vaccine, introduced in 2008, coupled with smear testing has seen death rates fall by 75 per cent since the 1970s. If the NHS is to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, it must get vaccination rates back by 2030 and ensure women receive a smear test at least once by the age of 35 and again by 45. Caroline Temmink, NHS England's director of vaccination, said she was still confident cervical cancer could be eliminated and vaccine rates could be restored. 'But we need parents to work with us,' she told The Sunday Times. 'There's still an element of hesitancy and vaccine fatigue following the pandemic as well,' she said. 'We just want to make sure that people understand the importance of getting the vaccine.' The Department of Health announced 28 hospitals will receive new radiotherapy machines, cutting waiting times and helping 4,500 more patients get treatment faster. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said 'As a cancer survivor, I know just how important timely treatment is.'
CTV News
23-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Quebec starting to offer HPV test as replacement to Pap test
Half of Quebec's administrative regions are now offering the human papillomavirus (HPV) screening test, which is expected to replace the Pap test throughout the province by the end of the year. The Montérégie is the most recent region to make the change. The HPV test is used to screen for cervical cancer. It is more accurate at detecting the presence of the high-risk human papillomavirus, which can lead to precancerous lesions and, if left untreated, cervical cancer. The HPV test has already replaced the Pap test in the Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Chaudière-Appalaches, Lanaudière, Outaouais, Laval, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Côte-Nord regions. Unlike Pap tests, which are carried out every two years, HPV tests are carried out every five years in most cases. Infection with the human papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical cancer. Screening remains the best way of preventing this cancer, which is avoidable when detected at the pre-cancerous stage. In recent years, there has been an increase in cervical cancer. The latest Canadian data show that cervical cancer is now the fastest-growing cancer among women. After declining for three decades, the incidence of cervical cancer rose by 3.7 per cent per year between 2015 and 2019, according to the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). This is the first significant increase since 1984. The CCS estimates that 1,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the next year, and 400 will die from it. 'We are continuing to roll out HPV testing throughout Quebec. This is in line with the government's vision of doing even more to prevent cervical cancer. By making this test more accessible, we are enabling more women to benefit from more effective screening, thereby helping to save lives,' Health Minister Christian Dubé said in a press release. In 2022, Dubé announced that the HPV test would be introduced as the primary screening test for cervical cancer, following the recommendations of the Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS). Last fall, the Ministry of Health announced that the HPV vaccine is available free of charge to anyone aged 20 or under. It is also being offered for free to the entire population until the remaining doses run out. People wishing to receive the vaccine can make an appointment via the ClicSanté online portal. Screening and vaccination are effective ways of combating cervical cancer. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French May 23, 2025. The Canadian Press health content receives funding through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for editorial choices.
