年紀大了，難免擔心患上癌症。在此，想和大家分享年長婦女常見的癌症之一——子宮頸癌的知識，希望大家能對這個病有多一點了解。
子宮頸位於子宮體和陰道之間。女性開始性生活後，就有機會感染到人類乳頭瘤病毒，即是HPV病毒，從而導致子宮頸癌。目前可以透過核酸檢測，比較準確地檢查到HPV病毒。在本港常見的HPV病毒有接近三十種，其中有十四種是高致癌性，而HPV16和18是最容易致癌。由於HPV疫苗的出現和子宮頸癌篩查的普及，子宮頸癌在香港曾有下降的趨勢。但是過去十年，子宮頸癌的發病率有反彈的傾向，這和社會的性開放有重大關係。根據本港某區的一項調查顯示，十八歲以下青少年有六成已經開始了性生活。在2020年，子宮頸癌是香港第八位最常見的癌症，將來會否去到更高的位置呢？
子宮頸癌的發病年齡主要為50至70歲，也有較年長的患者。有婚前性行為、多個性伴侶、過早開始性生活、高危HPV病毒患者、吸煙者和使用避孕藥超過5年者均屬於高危人士。
患病初期常見的症狀有：陰道不規律出血和性交後出血；也有收經後出血；收經超過一年後出血嫌疑更大。晚期可以發展到排尿和排便困難、腳腫、背痛、坐骨神經痛、胃口轉差和體重減輕等徵狀。
如果發現以上的症狀，切莫畏疾忌醫，應正面面對問題，及早採取治療措施。越早發現，治愈機率愈高。治療的方法包括切除手術、電療化療、標靶治療和免疫治療等。
As we age, it is natural to worry about the risk of developing cancer. I would like to share at here some knowledge about one of the common cancers among older women—cervical cancer—hoping to provide a better understanding of this disease.
The cervix is located between the body of the uterus and the vagina. Once women become sexually active, they will be at risk of contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer. Currently, HPV can be detected quite accurately through nucleic acid testing. There are nearly thirty types of HPV commonly found in Hong Kong, among which fourteen are considered high-risk for cancer, with HPV types 16 and 18 being the most carcinogenic. Due to the introduction of the HPV vaccine and the widespread screening for cervical cancer, there was a trend of decreasing cervical cancer cases in Hong Kong. However, in the past decade, the incidence of cervical cancer has shown a tendency to rebound, very likely related to the society's increasing sexual openness. A survey in a certain area of Hong Kong revealed that 60% of teenagers under 18 have already begun sexual activity. In 2020, cervical cancer was the eighth most common cancer in Hong Kong. Will it rank even higher in the future?
The onset age for cervical cancer primarily ranges from 50 to 70 years, though older patients can also be affected. Individuals at higher risk include those with premarital sexual experiences, multiple sexual partners, early onset of sexual activity, high-risk HPV infection, smokers, and those who have used oral contraceptives for more than five years.
Common early symptoms of the disease include irregular vaginal bleeding and post-coital bleeding; there may also be bleeding after menopause, which raises suspicion if it occurs over a year after menstrual periods have ceased. In advanced stages, symptoms can develop into difficulties with urination and bowel movements, swelling in the legs, back pain, sciatica, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, do not shy away from seeking medical attention. It is essential to confront the issue and take early treatment measures. The earlier the detection, the higher the chance of successful treatment. Treatment methods include surgical resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
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