cancer of the uterine cervix is \u200b\u200bthe second cancer in women. The national technical group Steps (Advances in health care companies in Italy) with positive results on the national screening program, using Pap test for cervical cancer.
The cervical cancer is a malignancy that develops into the lower uterine .
The uterus is the organ of the female where it lays an egg after fertilization by sperm, and thus where the embryo develops during pregnancy. The uterus is shaped like an inverted funnel, with the top forming the body and the end of the body lower, narrower, called the neck or cervix.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
The cervical cancer is a worldwide, second malignancy in women . Although the majority of women throughout their lives show no complications following a viral infection potential to develop this cancer, in Italy it is estimated that about 3,400 new cases per year. The rate of incidence is 10 cases per 100,000 women, with approximately 1,000 deaths.
In recent years, there is evidence significant trend of decrease in the incidence of the disease that is in mortality associated with it.
ANATOMY
The cervix is \u200b\u200bthe anatomical link between the uterus and vagina. The cervix, about half of its length, may be visible with appropriate medical equipment while the rest falls above the vagina, further inland.
Two different types of epithelial cells lining the cervix: columnar cells, ciliated, single layer are at the top toward the uterus, squamous cell, flattened, arranged in layers upon a basement membrane lining the area most proximal to the vagina. The transition zone
defines the anatomical point of encounter between these two cell types. This area is inherently subject to physiologically phenomenon of metaplasia, ie, the reversible transformation from one cell to another, as a result of specific stimuli (puberty, the normal menstrual cycle, menopause).
However, the phenomenon of metaplasia can take on the characteristics of a transformation more physiological and tightly controlled: in fact, the columnar epithelium can be replaced by an epithelium, squamous metaplastic type.
Most cervical cancer develops from cells which are located in the transition zone.
AND CAUSES 'known as the greatest risk factor for the development of cervical cancer is infection Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) . Worldwide, HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in adults.
Some strains of this virus are capable of interfering with the physiological transformation in metaplastic cells of the cervix, leading to the development of a malignancy.
Some factors seem to increase the risk of developing cervical cancer: cigarette smoking, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, obesity, co-infection with chlamydia, the family history of this tumor (although at the present time there is identified genes responsible for increased risk).
VACCINE AND PAP TEST
Condom use and vaccination are the effective measures that can reduce the chances of infection, while not guaranteeing full immunity.
in Italy is currently marketing a vaccine against HPV infection . This vaccine-type protein, is effective against strains of HPV-16 and HPV-18 accounting for almost two thirds of cases of cervical cancer. The same vaccine is also effective against infection by HPV-6 and HPV-11, responsible for 90% of genital warts.
Generally the early stages of tumor development are asymptomatic and even after the symptoms can not be easily explained by the suspicion of cancer. It 'still important to pay attention to any pain during intercourse, or abnormal blood loss, such as after sexual intercourse between two menstrual periods or during menopause.
The prevention strategy absolutely treatment recommended is that of regular gynecological check .
During the visit, in fact, can be performed Pap test, a quick and painless examination that identifies the presence of pre-cancerous cells. E 'recommend that every woman, from the beginning of sexual activity and no later than age 25 and at least until age 70, undergo a Pap test every two years .
national screening program
The national screening program includes the performance of the Pap test every three years by women in the age group 25-64 years.
In 2007, women Italian included in the screening program were about 12 million (or 72% of the target population ).
Especially women older than 35 years, with a good level of education , undergo a Pap test.
The screening program is expanding even more in Italy, although there are still a lack of participation in the South and Islands .
This is revealed by the national technical group Steps (Advances in health care companies in Italy) , the health monitoring system created by the Higher Institute of Health.
appears that 75% of women between 25 and 64 years has made at least a Pap test in the last three years, as recommended by the guidelines.
important factor in choosing to do the Pap test appears to be the level of education. 72% of women with the highest level of education did the test, compared with 66% of those with lower education levels.
In parallel, the economic condition also appears to have a bearing on the decision to enter the control program. 83% of women without economic problems has performed the Pap test, compared to 65% of women with economic difficulties. Overall, it is desirable
an increasingly comprehensive information about the screening program for cervical cancer, with the fact that the Pap test represents the most effective strategy as a secondary prevention onset of this disease.
(by Roberto Insolia - Press-Stampa.net)
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