Risk cervical cancer: Why every woman should be informed!

Risk cervical cancer: Why every woman should be informed!

On April 29, 2025, an informing event about cervical cancer took place in the Marien Hospital Herne. The team of the certified dysplasia unit of the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics was aimed at interested and affected women. The focus of the event was important information about the risk and prevention of this disease.

With increasing age, the risk of developing cervical cancer increases. The disease and its precursors, known as dysplasia, are created in the lower area of ​​the uterus, the cervix. The main trigger for cervical cancer is infection with human papilloma viruses (HPV). These infections are particularly common, and one focus of the event was to clarify the HPV vaccination.

protection by vaccination

The HPV vaccination offers protection of up to 90 percent against cervical carcinomas, which makes it a significant measure in prevention. Experts recommend that the vaccination ideally carry out before the first intercourse to prevent the formation of cancer precursors. However, it is important to emphasize that adults can also benefit from vaccination, since the risk of HPV infection does not disappear with age.

The Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics of Marien Hospital Herne is certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG) as a dysplasia unit and specializes in the treatment of precursors of cervical cancer. This enables the women concerned to provide comprehensive care and support.

risk factors for cervical cancer

In addition to the HPV infection, there are a number of other risk factors that can increase the risk of illness. Smoking is one of the most important risk factors because it increases the risk of cervical cancer regardless of an HPV infection. Cancer dismantling products from tobacco smoke are detectable in the mucous membrane of the cervix and HPV infections remain longer in smokers than with non-smokers.

Another risk factor is the intake of an estrogen-fertagen combination, often referred to as a pill. Women who take this pill for more than five years have an increased risk of cervical cancer, especially if they are infected with a high-risk HPV type. After stopping the pill, the risk drops, and after ten years there is no significant difference to women who have never taken the pill.

Even women who were pregnant and are chronically infected with high-risk HPV have an increased risk that increases with every birth. Unknown factors, including hormonal or immunological changes during pregnancy, could play a role here. In women with a strongly restricted immune system, such as HIV-infected or organ transplants, the risk of cervical carcinomas is also increased.

Notes indicate that other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, herpes simplex and gonococcal, can contribute to cancer, especially if there is also high-risk HPV infection. It is believed that long -lasting inflammation of the cervical mucosa can be responsible for the disease. Hereditary factors play a subordinate role, but can affect the likelihood of falling ill.

The event in the Marien Hospital Herne expressly illustrated the importance of the HPV vaccination and the understanding of the risk factors for cervical cancer. A comprehensive information can make a decisive contribution to the health of women.