Latakia-SANA
Obstetrics and gynecology Dr. Ranawa Bilal stressed the importance of early detection of cervical cancer and conducting a smear test to detect any cellular changes, allowing a greater chance of treatment and complete recovery for this type of cancer that develops slowly over years.
Dr. Bilal explained to SANA reporter that cervical cancer appears at the age of 45, but the infection has begun in the twenties or thirties, and studies show that 99 percent of this cancer is caused by infection with the human papilloma virus, pointing to a very important issue, which is that every patient has cervical cancer. She has the virus, but not every woman with the virus will get cancer.
The specialist, holder of the Syrian Board Certificate in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Diploma in Gynecological Aesthetic Medicine, pointed out that there are no clear symptoms or complaints by the woman infected in the early stages of cancer, and here lies the importance of periodic examination by conducting a smear examination. Pelvic pain and others indicate that early pregnancy, multiple births, smoking and immunodeficiency are among the most prominent factors that increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Dr. Bilal explained that the smear is a cytological examination of cervical cells, which is a simple and free procedure in health centers, pointing to the importance of raising awareness through health centers, hospitals and clinics regarding the danger of this cancer, and emphasizing that early detection means a 100% cure.
Regarding the treatment journey, Dr. Bilal indicated that the treatment varies according to the stages of tumor spread and ranges between surgical and radiological or both. In the case of “local cancer,” it is sufficient to remove the uterus and neck for complete recovery, and this is what happened with a woman who had a smear and had “local cancer” and by removing the uterus, her cure was by 100 percent to continue her life in good health, adding that the recovery rates vary according to the stages, reaching 95 percent in the first stage, 75 percent in the second stage, 50 percent in the third stage, and 15 percent in the fourth stage.
Dr. Bilal provided a set of tips to prevent cervical cancer, including performing a smear for each woman annually, and in the event of a negative one, it is done every 2-3 years, in addition to receiving the vaccine, as there are 3 types of vaccines available, noting that the vaccine does not dispense with periodic follow-up.
Bilal concluded her speech by stressing the importance of the campaign currently being held in Syria, as it targets the most common cancers, as early detection of them means complete recovery and thus alleviating the pain and suffering of the patient, as well as the financial burden and psychological fatigue of the injured and his family, pointing to the importance of a healthy, nutritionally balanced lifestyle and exercise to strengthen Immunity, abstain from smoking and consult a doctor.
Rasha Raslan
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