Treatment, disability limitation and rehabilitation are akin to extinguishing the fire after it has affected a structure and in case of cervical cancer-cervix. Just as it is sensible to see fire does not break out in the first place it is prudent to ensure diseases do not affect people at all. Applying suitable measures in the pre-pathogenic phase cost-effective than secondary prevention. Primary prevention is all the more better and more cost-effective than secondary prevention.
Primary prevention in cervical cancer management
Primary prevention broadly entails health promotion and specific protection. One particular type of health promotion is the education of the community not to take to the life styles that are known risk factors for cervical cancer. Factors such as the early onset of sexual activity and multiple sexual partners increase human papillomavirus [HPV] exposure. Lack of vitamins in diet weaken the immune system and cellular integrity, increasing susceptibility to HPV infection.
Specific protection in primary prevention measure is one that affords high degree of protection against a single specific disease. Vaccination against vaccine preventable diseases like cervical cancer is one example of specific protection. HPV vaccines are now widely available and have been expanded, and women up to age 45 can get vaccinated if they missed it earlier. In Kenya, vaccines for girls aged nine and 14 years are free, while adults beyond 15 years have to pay.
Why vaccinate so young? Research has shown that their secondary defense mechanism-immunity-can be boosted to the maximum between ages nine and 14. They’re given another four to five years to build immunity, so by the time they become sexually active and get exposed to the virus, they will be able to eliminate the the virus quickly.
When not associated with clinical features [symptoms and signs], the disease is called ‘subclinical condition’. The underlying pathology can be detected only with the aid of sophistical laboratory tests. Regular HPV DNA testing or pap smears are vital for the early detection of pre-cancerous cells. This helps facilitate timely intervention to prevent cervical cancer. Women who don’t get pap smear miss out on this critical opportunity for early detection and intervention.
Overall, eradicating cervical cancer requires two of three levels of prevention namely ; primary, secondary and tertiary. Vaccination, screening and timely treatment interventions. It can be achieved through collaboration between communities, healthcare providers, international organizations and governments.