For 104 years, LALCEC has been working to promote cancer prevention and early detection. Throughout March, coinciding with International HPV Awareness Day and World Cervical Cancer Prevention Day, the organization is reinforcing its commitment with special education and awareness initiatives for the community.
As part of this effort, the LALCEC Medical Center will host a free and open community talk on HPV and cervical cancer prevention on Monday, March 30.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) affects both women, and men. This treatable condition can lead to cervical cancer, the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Argentina, impacting 4,500 women each year and resulting in over 2,300 deaths. Understanding the risks and available preventative measures is crucial for public health.
“Prevention is always the greatest ally in avoiding cancer and/or achieving an early diagnosis, which will lead to the start of treatment in the initial stages,” said Dr. Carlos Silva, Medical Director and Coordinator of the Patient Support Area at LALCEC. “Preventing involves visiting the doctor, getting routine checkups, and knowing, for example, that HPV can be prevented and should be treated. Access to relevant information is undoubtedly essential in this regard.”
HPV is a highly transmissible virus, more common than many realize. It’s estimated that 4 out of 5 people may contract one or more types of HPV at some point in their lives. Consistent and correct condom leverage reduces the risk of transmission, though it doesn’t eliminate it entirely, as the virus can reside in areas of the genital-anal region not covered by a condom.
“There are 200 types of HPV, 40 of which affect the genital and anal areas. They can be classified as low and high-risk oncogenic. The former are associated with benign lesions such as warts, although the latter can evolve into cancer. Cervical cancer is the most frequent, though it can also develop into other cancers such as anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers,” explained Dr. Silva.
For prevention in women, a Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) is recommended, a simple and effective way to prevent cervical cancer. The test is generally performed annually. If two consecutive cytology results are negative, the control can be spaced every 3 years, as indicated by a physician. The HPV test can also be performed, which allows for the detection of high-risk oncogenic HPV DNA in cells of the cervix, enabling monitoring for potential lesion development.
Vaccination is the primary method of HPV prevention, and it is recommended and included in the official calendar starting at age 11 (or as early as age 9), with a two-dose schedule for those under 15 (0-6 months). For those 15 and older, a three-dose schedule (0-2-6 months) is recommended, with catch-up vaccination available until age 18. The vaccine is recommended for all genders.
Community Open Event
As part of this initiative, the LALCEC Medical Center will host a free and open community talk on HPV and cervical cancer prevention on Monday, March 30, at the Center’s headquarters in Palermo (CABA).
The event, led by Jennifer Macfarlane and Ricardo Caruso from the LALCEC Medical Center’s Gynecology department, will cover what cervical cancer is, its risk factors, how HPV is transmitted, and the tools available for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as recommended studies for early detection.
The event is open to anyone who wishes to learn more and question questions about this topic.
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