The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. The virus often causes cancer or pre-cancer. It is a virus that mutates and has about 200 variants and approximately 40 serotypes that have a special affinity with the genitals. The virus can be eliminated by the immune system of each person. If this does not happen and the disease develops, treatment should be followed, IPN reports.
In a live staged by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection, gynecologist-obstetrician Maxim Calaraș noted that HPV is said to cause such a cancer as verruca. Other serotypes cause cancer or pre-cancerous changes that cause cervical, vulva, vagina cancer, penile cancer in men, anal cancer in both sexes. 100% of the forms of cervical cancer and epithelial cancer are caused by HPV. It depends on the contracted virus serotype and for how long this stayed in the affected cells.
According to Maxim Calaraș, cervical cancer is actually “a shame of society”, given the current level of medicine and the cancer development period – up to 15 years. “If you are diagnosed with a form of cervical cancer, this means disrespect for your body,” said the doctor, noting cervical cancer has few symptoms, such as bleeding that can be spontaneous or after sexual intercourse, pain, leg swelling, etc. “If the person does not go to see a doctor when having such symptoms, I don’t know what else should happen.”
Vaccination is the best method for preventing cervical cancer. Initially, there were vaccinated the target group – girls aged 11-12. Now boys also develop such forms of cancer. The children after 13 and the young people older than 26 can also get immunized. In Moldova, the available quadrivalent vaccine is administered free in two doses. Infection with HPV occurs after the onset of sexual activity and girls are thus vaccinated at a younger age.
The national study on knowledge, attitudes and practices on cervical cancer prevention shows that 59% of the women aged 25-61 from the Republic of Moldova have never done a cytology test. Most of these are from southern Moldova and from poor families.
