The main building of the University of Debrecen is illuminating in mauve, because the institution joined the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week from 17 to 23 January. Organizers point out that the disease can be prevented by vaccination and regular screenings.
Cervical cancer is the second most common gynecological cancer in women under the age of 45. In Hungary, more than 1,200 new cases are diagnosed every year and 400-500 people die from the disease. However, experts emphasize that cervical cancer can be prevented by vaccination and regular screening and that a disease diagnosed in time has a good chance of being cured.
It is recommended that the first screening be performed 3 years after the start of sexual intercourse. It is very important to highlight the need for regular screenings, it is recommended to repeat the test every 3 years. This consists of a cytological smear in Hungary, and if necessary, HPV screening is performed as a supplement to it.
– Zoárd Krasznai, director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Debrecen, told hirek.unideb.hu.
The disease recognized at an early stage can be completely cured with surgery. However, cervical cancer is not only durable but can also be prevented by vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). It is almost 100 percent caused by sexually transmitted HPV.
Vaccination is best protected when given to young people aged 12-13. It also provides protection at a later age, but its effectiveness is reduced. There is also a recommendation if someone has developed a pre-cancerous condition and had to undergo a minor operation, it still makes sense to administrate the vaccine, because it reduces the chances of developing another lesion.
– Zoárd Krasznai emphasized.
Voluntary vaccination against HPV was introduced in Hungary in 2014. This is available to girls and boys who have reached the age of 12 and are in the 7th grade of primary school as part of a school campaign.
Vaccination is an investment in the future. We know from international examples (Australia) that if a sufficiently large proportion of young girls and women are immunized, it will significantly reduce the number of new diseases in the foreseeable future. Cervical cancer is a slow-growing tumor, so there is time to screen for the disease at an early stage before cancer. However, thanks to HPV vaccination, there is also a way to prevent the disease. Very few types of cancer can be said to have such effective tools against it.
– the clinical director added.
The importance of screening and vaccination is highlighted during the European Week for Cervical Cancer Prevention, which takes place in the third week of January each year. This year, the programs will take place between January 17 and 23, organized by the Mallow Flower Foundation. The University of Debrecen also joined the initiative. As part of the event, in the spirit of fighting the disease, several iconic buildings will be illuminated in mauve, including the main building of the institution.
hirek.unideb.hu
