Experts Discuss Cervical Cancer, HPV Vaccination, and Breast Cancer at Women's Health Panel
Leading medical specialists emphasize the importance of HPV vaccination, regular screenings, and awareness in combating prevalent health issues affecting women.
At a recent panel titled "Women’s Health: I Choose to Be Healthy," Dr. Dejan Dimitrijević, a gynecologist and obstetrician, highlighted the role of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer.
The World Health Organization recommends three preventive measures against cervical cancer, one of which is vaccination against HPV. The vaccine has been available since 2014 and has been in regular use since 2022, targeting children between the ages of 9 and 19, although it can also be administered to women up to the age of 26.
Dr. Dimitrijević emphasized the importance of colposcopic examinations, stating that abnormal Pap tests do not necessarily equate to the presence of a healthy cervix.
He identified HPV transmission as strictly occurring through mucosal contact, clarifying that the virus cannot survive outside of human cells and cannot be contracted through clothing or shared public spaces such as swimming pools.
He noted that HPV is often asymptomatic, with most women unaware they are infected until they present with genital warts, which are considered less dangerous.
He recommended annual check-ups for women to enable early detection of potential issues.
Dr. Nataša Pujić Stanisavljev, a radiologist, addressed the increasing prevalence of breast cancer, emphasizing its historical presence and the global rise in cases.
While Serbia does not lead in incidence rates, it faces one of the highest mortality rates due to late-stage diagnoses.
Approximately 1,700 women die annually from breast cancer in Serbia, primarily because treatment often begins in advanced stages of the disease.
Factors such as obesity, early menstruation onset, late menopause, and discussions surrounding hormone therapy have been identified as significant risks.
Dr. Pujić Stanisavljev also highlighted the necessity for regular ultrasound examinations, aiming to detect breast cancer at non-palpable stages for optimal treatment success rates.
She urged women to begin routine checks at age 30 and noted that the cancer is often more aggressive in younger women.
Addressing the health implications of obesity, Dr. Pujić Stanisavljev indicated that seven out of ten individuals have at least one comorbidity linked to obesity, including various cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, with infertility being another significant concern.
Obese women face three times the risk of infertility, influenced by hormonal imbalances and chronic inflammation.
In the context of reproductive health, Dr. Dimitrijević mentioned that a single gynecological examination could uncover numerous infertility issues often exacerbated by stress and lifestyle changes, with many women now attempting to conceive later in life.
On self-examination practices, Dr. Pujić Stanisavljev recommended conducting breast self-exams immediately after menstrual cycles when breast tissue is softer.
She outlined the methodical approach to proper self-examination, stressing the importance of understanding breast anatomy for recognizing any abnormalities.
The panel also discussed breast changes as indicators of potential cancer, emphasizing the necessity for women to be vigilant and report any unusual changes in breast appearance or texture.
The importance of education and awareness surrounding these significant health issues was underscored throughout the session.
The World Health Organization recommends three preventive measures against cervical cancer, one of which is vaccination against HPV. The vaccine has been available since 2014 and has been in regular use since 2022, targeting children between the ages of 9 and 19, although it can also be administered to women up to the age of 26.
Dr. Dimitrijević emphasized the importance of colposcopic examinations, stating that abnormal Pap tests do not necessarily equate to the presence of a healthy cervix.
He identified HPV transmission as strictly occurring through mucosal contact, clarifying that the virus cannot survive outside of human cells and cannot be contracted through clothing or shared public spaces such as swimming pools.
He noted that HPV is often asymptomatic, with most women unaware they are infected until they present with genital warts, which are considered less dangerous.
He recommended annual check-ups for women to enable early detection of potential issues.
Dr. Nataša Pujić Stanisavljev, a radiologist, addressed the increasing prevalence of breast cancer, emphasizing its historical presence and the global rise in cases.
While Serbia does not lead in incidence rates, it faces one of the highest mortality rates due to late-stage diagnoses.
Approximately 1,700 women die annually from breast cancer in Serbia, primarily because treatment often begins in advanced stages of the disease.
Factors such as obesity, early menstruation onset, late menopause, and discussions surrounding hormone therapy have been identified as significant risks.
Dr. Pujić Stanisavljev also highlighted the necessity for regular ultrasound examinations, aiming to detect breast cancer at non-palpable stages for optimal treatment success rates.
She urged women to begin routine checks at age 30 and noted that the cancer is often more aggressive in younger women.
Addressing the health implications of obesity, Dr. Pujić Stanisavljev indicated that seven out of ten individuals have at least one comorbidity linked to obesity, including various cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, with infertility being another significant concern.
Obese women face three times the risk of infertility, influenced by hormonal imbalances and chronic inflammation.
In the context of reproductive health, Dr. Dimitrijević mentioned that a single gynecological examination could uncover numerous infertility issues often exacerbated by stress and lifestyle changes, with many women now attempting to conceive later in life.
On self-examination practices, Dr. Pujić Stanisavljev recommended conducting breast self-exams immediately after menstrual cycles when breast tissue is softer.
She outlined the methodical approach to proper self-examination, stressing the importance of understanding breast anatomy for recognizing any abnormalities.
The panel also discussed breast changes as indicators of potential cancer, emphasizing the necessity for women to be vigilant and report any unusual changes in breast appearance or texture.
The importance of education and awareness surrounding these significant health issues was underscored throughout the session.
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