The annual International Women’s Day in March celebrates women’s strength and achievements. It is also a great time to raise awareness for women’s health. Prevention is always better than cure. Let us turn our attention to preventing cervical cancer — one of the most common cancers in Hong Kong women.1
According to the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation, cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix. These abnormal cells can develop into tumors and in worst case scenarios, spread throughout the body.2
While early-stage cervical cancer does not have obvious symptoms, advanced-stage symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding and discharge.3 Women who started being sexually active at a young age or those who have had multiple sex partners are at a relatively higher risk of getting cervical cancer.4 The disease, however, is most curable when detected early.
A simple procedure called the Pap Smear can be used to detect viral infections like human papillomavirus (HPV), which is known for causing cervical cancer.5 Pap Smears are available at The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong at a low cost, so women of all walks of life can be protected with regular check-ups.
Meanwhile, in an effort to prevent HPV-related disease, Hong Kong will launch a new vaccination scheme which will see schoolgirls in Primary Five and Six getting vaccinated against HPV.6 While some believe the effectiveness of the vaccine is close to 100%, the government reiterated that regular Pap Smear is still very much necessary in order to prevent cervical cancer. 7
With regular tests, cervical cancer is highly preventable. Don’t let this disease take away your loved ones. Save lives by encouraging women around you to get Pap tested.
Sources
- https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/25/56.html
- https://accf.org.au/cervical-health/cervical-cancer
- https://www.famplan.org.hk/en/health-info/common-gynaecological-diseases/abnormal-cervical-cells-and-cervical-cancer
- https://www.stagnes.org/catching-cervical-cancer-early-curable/
- https://www.emedicinehealth.com/pap_smear/article_em.htm#what_is_a_pap_smear
- https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2167904/schoolgirls-be-vaccinated-against-hpv-hong-kongs
- https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201810/11/P2018101100552.htm?fontSize=1
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