- It is estimated that 85% of women and 91% of men become infected with the Human Papillomavirus at some point in their active lives.
- HPV encompasses more than 200 viruses, although 14 are considered high risk and are those associated with cervical cancer.
- This type of tumor is already the second cause of mortality from neoplasms in Mexico and the rest of the world.
Cervical cancer, although it is preventable and treatable, has become the second cause of death in women of reproductive age due to tumors in Mexico and in the rest of the world. In fact, to understand its impact, it causes a death every two hours somewhere on the planet.
Women face more risks
This disease is caused by a sexually transmitted infection from Human papillomavirus (HPV). Up to 50% of sexually active women are infected with some type of HPV. To date it is the most common incidence in young women and reaches a peak of approximately 20% in women aged 20 to 24 years.
This was announced in the framework of the forum of cervical cancer update associated with HPV infection, where Dr. Elsa Diìaz Loìpez, general director of the Specialized Group on Women’s Health (GESFEM), shared that this infection rebounds in women over 45 years of age, a stage in which they have probably had several partners, which is why a second peak of infections is detected.
In fact, it is estimated that 4 years after starting an active sexual life, 50% of women already acquired some type of HPV.
Evolution of the disease
For his part, Dr. Rogelio Aguado, member of the Board of Directors of the Mexican College of Gynecologists dedicated to Colposcopy (COMEGIC) explained that the cervical cancer it develops slowly, beginning with a usually transient and asymptomatic infection caused by HPV. It can persist and give rise to precancerous lesions that, when evolving, give rise to tumors if these lesions are not detected in time.
In his opportunity, Dr. Ricardo Luìa-Alvarado, a gynecologist and obstetrician certified by the Mexican Council of Gynecology and Obstetrics, as well as a Master of Science in Research Methodology, explained that in our country there are many pending challenges to face the risks that represents the cervical cancer.
He explained that the Human Papilloma Virus is a group of more than 200 (viruses) related to each other, of which 14 are high risk and are those associated with the cervical cancer.
The also director of the group of specialists in Gynecology and Obstetrics GineMed Guadalajara and active professor of graduates in Female Genital Pathology and Bioregenerative Gynecology, said that it is necessary to generate more information about cervical cancer caused by HPV, as well as sexual education, culture of prevention and self-care among the population.
As part of the conclusions of the forum, Dr. Diana Mejía, head of the medical area at Besins Healthcare México and who moderated the meeting, insisted that it is essential to educate the population about cervical cancer and its prevention. This includes regular visits to the gynecologist for a general women’s health check-up that includes sexual counselling, as well as regular screening tests such as Pap smears and vaccinations.
Also read:
New indication: WHO recommends single-dose HPV vaccine
Mexicans identified the process by which HPV causes cancer
Every year 5 million people are infected with HPV in the world
