The etiology of cervical cancer is very clear, and to some extent it can be said to be an infectious disease with a clear relationship to HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, which is transmitted mainly through sexual contact. Although the clinical incidence of cervical cancer continues to rise and tends to be younger in recent years, since we are clear about the cause of cervical cancer, we have hope to prevent it, and in addition, early lesions and precancerous lesions can be detected and diagnosed and treated early through regular screenings. This all makes it possible for cervical cancer to be the first cancer to be eliminated. Not all HPV infections are cancerous HPV has up to a hundred subtypes, with types 16 and 18 mainly affecting the cervix. Almost 50% of cervical cancers are associated with HPV type 16, and another 20% with type 18, so that types 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancers. It is a long process from viral infection to precancerous lesions, which requires continuous integration of the virus into the cells causing genetic mutations. HPV infection is more common in women, with 70% to 80% of women becoming infected with the virus during their lifetime because the vaginal environment is more suitable for the growth of the virus. However, not all HPV causes cancer, partly because there are high-risk and low-risk types of the virus, and the low-risk types do not cause cancer, and also to cause cancer, there is a persistent infection of the high-risk types. Many viruses can be eliminated naturally, so don’t be afraid to talk about the virus. The actual fact is that you can find a lot of people who are not able to get a good deal on a lot of things. The term “celiac disease” is an outdated term and cannot be compared to cervical cancer,” said Prof. Wan Xirun. “The outward migration of the cervical gland epithelium due to hormonal stimulation in young girls looks like a manifestation of celiac disease, but in fact it is not celiac disease, it is a normal physiological change. Even if you are diagnosed with cervical erosion, it does not mean that you will have precancerous lesions because the lesions must be cellular changes, not just changes in the appearance of the organ.” The onset of cervical cancer is often asymptomatic, so don’t wait until symptoms appear to get screened. Women who have had sex need to visit the hospital regularly for cervical cancer screening. If the virus is negative, young women can be checked once every three years, while women over 35 years old can be checked once every five years if all previous tests are negative. It is understood that currently the preferred screening method for cervical cancer in China is cervical smear, and it is expected to switch to viral testing in the future. Early vaccination can kill cancer cells in the cradle Besides screening, what other methods can be used to prevent cervical cancer? As for the cervical cancer vaccine, which is gaining more and more attention in the academic and medical fields, Prof. Wan Xirun said that since it is a preventive vaccine and not a therapeutic vaccine, it is best to get the cervical cancer vaccine before having sexual intercourse. However, foreign data show that for women who have had HPV-related precancerous disease and have been treated, the HPV vaccine can still reduce 65% of highly pathological lesions. For universal education for adolescents, Prof. Wan Hirun suggests that the earlier the vaccine is given, the better, if available, and in the U.S. adolescents around 11 or 12 years old can be vaccinated. In addition, parents need to give proper guidance on sex education for teenagers.