HPV screening remains important
cervical cancer in the nation every year with 30,000 death cases annually. Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among Chinese women aged between 15 and 44.
Cervical cancer, which is mostly transmitted sexually by several types of HPV, can be easily prevented.
It is also so far the only cancer the cause of which is known and which can be prevented with a vaccine.
“Sexually active young women, those with multiple partners and those who have unprotected sex have higher risk of HPV infection,” said Dr Wu Dan from the Shanghai International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital.
“Primary prevention including health education and vaccination among girls and women at a young age is effective for cervical cancer prevention,” added Wu.
Regular screening and timely diagnosis and treatment for precancer among women aged over 25 are important for cervical cancer prevention and control.
“The current HPV vaccine can’t prevent all HPV infection, so regular screening for women with an active sex life is still important even if they have been vaccinated,” the doctor said.
“For women in puberty or of birth age, vaccination and screening are both vital. For women aged over 45 years old, screening is more important.”
HPV screening includes a Pap test and an HPV test.