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Preventive screening for cancer of the female genital tract is effective, as long as the annual gynecological examination is performed regularly from a young age. Specifically, cervical cancer can be prevented by vaccinating all young women, gynecological examination, Pap test and timely treatment of precancerous lesions.

After the first year of sexual activity, it is necessary to make the first visit to the gynecologist in order to have the relevant information on the hygiene rules of the area and the ways to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and the most common of them, the human papillomavirus (HPV). Without the presence of the virus, it is almost impossible for a woman to develop cervical cancer. Unvaccinated women should not miss the opportunity to discuss and inform about the benefits of vaccination.

Ideally, the first vaccination should be carried out at the same appointment for all women who wish to do so. This is followed by an examination and, when necessary, a smear from the cervix. This can be analyzed in two ways or a combination of these. Cytologically with the well-known pap test and liquid phase cytology and molecularly through the detection of DNA or mRNA and other molecular biomarkers with the aim of highlighting the presence of the HPV virus.

In any case, the three lines of defense against cervical cancer (vaccine, pap test, treatment) and the long course of the disease, which requires many years to progress from a simple infection to cancer, give every woman the necessary time to protect her health. She just needs to visit the gynecologist.

When lesions are present, sampling can be done on site or their treatment can be initiated immediately according to the protocols of the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO).

*The Director of the Gynecological Clinic of the Athens Medical Center, Dr. George-Marios Makris is the first internationally certified specialist gynecological oncologist by the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO).