80 percent of cases of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer type in women worldwide, occur in developing countries.
Talatpaşa Laboratories Group Biochemistry Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Var pointed out that some HPV (human papillomavirus) types defined as high risk are the main cause of cervical cancer.
Prof. informed that early diagnosis and treatment is important. Dr. Var, “HPV has many subtypes; HPV types are generally classified into low-risk types found in genital warts and high-risk types associated with cervical cancer. HPV is a virus that is usually transmitted sexually, but it can also be spread in other ways. Unprotected sexual intercourse may increase the risk of transmitting the virus. HPV in a mother's genital area can be passed to the baby during birth. However, this situation is quite rare. HPV can also spread through other means of contact transmission, but this is less common. "For example, contact with infected skin can lead to transmission of the virus," he said.
Prof. also stated that HPV usually does not show symptoms and is cleared by many people's bodies on its own. Dr. Ahmet Var pointed out that genital warts or cancer can develop, especially in people with weak immune systems or those infected with certain types of HPV.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO PREVENT TRANSMISSION OF HPV?
Underlining the importance of regular control, protected sexual intercourse and HPV vaccination against HPV, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Var: “Vaccines provide protection against certain types of HPV and prevent transmission through sexual contact. Using a condom during sexual intercourse may reduce the risk of transmitting HPV, but it does not provide complete protection. "Sexual health check-ups and regular doctor's examinations can help detect HPV and other sexually transmitted infections early," he said.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Var continued: “If you have received a positive HPV test result, the first step is to contact a healthcare professional. This person will usually be a gynecologist or relevant specialist physician. A person who tests positive for HPV may be referred for a Pap smear and other related tests, depending on your doctor's recommendation. These tests can help detect precancerous cell changes or cancer at an early stage. If you have not been vaccinated before, your doctor may recommend the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccines may protect against certain high-risk types, especially in younger individuals. A positive HPV test does not mean cancer will occur, and in many cases it is cleared by the immune system. Therefore, if you have concerns or questions, it is best to talk to your physician. As Talatpaşa Laboratories, we work with Multiplex PCR and Macroarray Chip technology in the diagnosis of HPV virus. With this new technology, 35 different HPV genotypes can be detected in a single study. “With this method, we can provide HPV results on the same day.”