Cervical Cancer Screening: Overview of Definition and Core Content

Cervical cancer screening is a preventive measure for early detection of cervical precancerous lesions or cancer through medical testing, mainly for women of the right age.Its core content includesHPV test(human papillomavirus) andTCT examination(Thin-layer liquid-based cytology test), the combination of the two can significantly improve the detection rate.Screening is usually done in women aged 21-65 years, with frequency adjusted based on age and risk factors.The secondary content involves the significance of screening (reducing the incidence rate), precautions (avoiding menstrual periods) and follow-up treatment (follow-up of abnormal results).Early screening can effectively block the cancer process and is the key to secondary prevention of cervical cancer.

Two main methods of cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer screeningHPV testingandTCT examinationLord.The HPV test identifies high-risk HPV viruses (such as types 16 and 18) by analyzing cervical secretions, and its positive results indicate the risk of cancer; the TCT test collects cervical exfoliated cells to observe abnormal cell morphology.The two are complementary: HPV detection has high sensitivity and TCT has strong specificity.Currently, joint screening ("double screening") is recommended for women over 30 years old, while women aged 21-29 can only undergo TCT.The screening process is painless and takes about 3-5 minutes to complete, but you need to avoid menstrual periods and avoid sexual intercourse for the first 3 days.

Scientific recommendations for screening populations and frequency

According to the American Cancer Society guidelines,21 years oldCervical cancer screening should be started: TCT every 3 years for 21-29 years old; "HPV+TCT" combined screening for 30-65 years old every 5 years, or TCT alone every 3 years; for those over 65 years old, it can be stopped if the previous results are normal.High-risk groups (such as people with HIV infection and immunodeficiency) need to shorten the interval.Before screening, you need to inform your doctor about your pregnancy history, HPV vaccination status, etc.It is worth noting that even if you have received the HPV vaccine (such as the nine-valent vaccine), you still need to be screened regularly because the vaccine does not cover all high-risk viruses.

Abnormal results handling and follow-up procedures

If the screening results are abnormal (such as HPV-positive or TCT showing low/high-grade lesions), further treatment is required.colposcopy biopsyGet a clear diagnosis.Treatment is graded based on pathological results: low-grade lesions may only require observation; high-grade lesions require cervical conization (LEEP knife or cold knife) to remove the lesions.During the follow-up period, medical advice should be strictly followed to avoid delay in treatment.Data shows that standardized screening can reduce the incidence of cervical cancerMore than 70%(Source: WHO "Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Cervical Cancer").Some patients avoid review due to fear and may miss the best opportunity for intervention.

Summary: Screening value and public awareness improvement

Cervical cancer screening is one of the few malignant tumors that can be “preventable and controllable” through early intervention.Global experience shows that universal screening can significantly reduce the proportion of advanced cervical cancer.Currently, commonly used screening products in China include Roche's Cobas HPV test, Haoluojie ThinPrep TCT, etc.The public needs to eliminate the misunderstanding of "no screening if there are no symptoms", and medical institutions should also optimize service accessibility.As Professor Qiao Youlin, an expert on gynecological oncology, said: "Screening is not a multiple-choice question, but a must-answer question." It is recommended that women include screening in their annual health plan, making it as normal as regular physical examinations.

Quote sources:
1. World Health Organization (WHO) "Guidelines for Comprehensive Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer" 2021 Edition
2. American Cancer Society (ACS) Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines 2023 Update
3. Interview with Professor Qiao Youlin (Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences)
4. Product data source: public information from the official websites of Roche and Halogen