The main building of the University of Debrecen shines in mauve

Debrecen – This indicates that the institution has joined the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week from 17 to 23 January. Organizers point out that the disease can be prevented by vaccination and regular screenings.

Cervical cancer is the second most common gynecological cancer in women under the age of 45. In Hungary, more than 1,200 new cases are diagnosed every year and 400-500 people die from the disease. However, experts show that cervical cancer can be prevented by vaccination and regular screening, and that a disease diagnosed in time has a good chance of being cured.

Photo: unideb.hu

– It is recommended that the first screening be performed 3 years after the start of sexual intercourse. It is very important to highlight the need for regular screenings, it is recommended to repeat the test every 3 years. This consists of a cytological smear in Hungary, and if necessary, HPV screening is performed as a supplement to it – Zoárd Krasznai, director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Debrecen, told hirek.unideb.hu.

The disease recognized at an early stage can be completely cured with surgery. However, cervical cancer is not only curable, but can also be prevented by vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). It is almost 100 percent caused by sexually transmitted HPV.

– Vaccination is best protected when young people are aged 12-13. It also provides protection at a later age, but its effectiveness is reduced. Even if someone has developed a pre-cancerous condition and had to undergo a minor operation, it still makes sense to inject it, because it reduces the chances of developing another lesion, Zoárd Krasznai emphasized.

Free vaccination against HPV was introduced in 2014. This is available to girls and boys who have reached the age of 12 and the 7th grade of primary school as part of a school campaign.

– Investing in the future. We know from international examples (Australia) that if a large proportion of young girls and women are immunized, it will reduce the number of new diseases in the foreseeable future. Cervical cancer is a slow-growing tumor, so there is time to screen for the disease at an early stage before cancer. However, HPV vaccination also has the potential to prevent disease. Very few types of cancer can be said to have such effective tools against it, the clinic director added.

The importance of screening and vaccination is highlighted during the European Week for Cervical Cancer Prevention, which takes place in the third week of January each year. This year, the programs will take place between January 17 and 23, organized by the Mallow Flower Foundation in Hungary.

The University of Debrecen also joined the initiative. As part of the event, in the spirit of the disease control building, several iconic mauve colors will be illuminated, including the main building of the institution.