Early detection and prevention

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 40 views

Introduction

Cervical cancer is a non-contagious disease that remains a serious health problem worldwide. It is the second leading cause of death in women after breast cancer. In 2019, there were 569,847 new cases of cervical cancer reported globally, with 13,170 women in the United States diagnosed, and 4,250 of them succumbing to the disease. In Indonesia, the prevalence of cervical cancer reached 98,692 cases, with an estimated 4,694 cases in North Sumatra. This article aims to discuss the characteristics of cervical cancer patients in inpatients at Dr. Pirngadi Medan from 2016 to 2018.

Background

Cervical cancer is a significant health concern worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing in many countries. In Indonesia, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. The disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment more challenging. Early detection and prevention are crucial in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. This study aims to identify the characteristics of cervical cancer patients in inpatients at Dr. Pirngadi Medan from 2016 to 2018.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive case series design. Data were collected from inpatients with cervical cancer at Dr. Pirngadi Medan from 2016 to 2018. The data were analyzed using the Chi-Square, T-Test, and Man-Whitney U test.

Results

The results of the study showed that the majority of cervical cancer patients were in the 45-54 year age group (39.8%). The majority of patients adhered to Islam (60.9%), and the most common level of education was High School (SLTA) (54.9%). The most common job among sufferers was a housewife (44.4%). In terms of regional origin, 58.6% of patients came from outside the city of Medan, and the marital status showed that 97.0% were married.

The number of parity or birth was more than three times in 73.7% of respondents, while the main complaint experienced was bleeding per vagina (48.1%). Most patients were in an advanced stage (68.4%), and the most common medical management was chemotherapy (53.4%). The average length of care for cervical cancer patients was recorded at around 6.42 days, with 91.0% of medical expenses borne by BPJS, and 88.7% of them returned with the status of medical treatment (PBJ).

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. The majority of patients were in the 45-54 year age group, which suggests that cervical cancer is a disease that affects middle-aged women. The majority of patients adhered to Islam, and the most common level of education was High School, which suggests that cervical cancer affects women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

The most common job among sufferers was a housewife, which suggests that cervical cancer affects women who are not employed outside the home. In terms of regional origin, 58.6% of patients came from outside the city of Medan, which suggests that cervical cancer is a disease that affects women from rural areas.

The number of parity or birth was more than three times in 73.7% of respondents, which suggests that cervical cancer is a disease that affects women who have had multiple pregnancies. The main complaint experienced was bleeding per vagina (48.1%), which suggests that cervical cancer often presents with symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Most patients were in an advanced stage (68.4%), which suggests that cervical cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage. The most common medical management was chemotherapy (53.4%), which suggests that chemotherapy is a common treatment for cervical cancer. The average length of care for cervical cancer patients was recorded at around 6.42 days, which suggests that cervical cancer treatment is often prolonged.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. The results of this study suggest that cervical cancer affects middle-aged women, women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and women who have had multiple pregnancies. The study also suggests that cervical cancer often presents with symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding and is often diagnosed at a late stage.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

Early detection and prevention: Early detection and prevention of cervical cancer are crucial in reducing the incidence of the disease. Women should undergo regular Pap Smear or IVA tests to detect cervical cancer early.
Education and counseling: Education and counseling about the importance of routine examinations should be intensified to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in Indonesia.
Financial support: Financial support through programs such as BPJS plays an important role in the treatment of cervical cancer. Patients should be aware of the financial support available to them.
Healthcare services: Healthcare services should be improved to provide better care for cervical cancer patients. This includes providing access to early detection and treatment services.

By understanding the characteristics of cervical cancer sufferers, it is hoped that related parties can increase efforts to prevent and handle this disease, especially for vulnerable groups.

Q: What is cervical cancer?

A: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system. It is a non-contagious disease that can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Q: What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

A: The symptoms of cervical cancer can vary depending on the stage of the disease. Common symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse. In advanced stages, symptoms can include weight loss, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing.

Q: What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?

A: The risk factors for cervical cancer include:

HPV infection: HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.
Age: Cervical cancer is more common in women over 30 years old.
Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer.
Multiple sexual partners: Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of HPV infection.
Weakened immune system: Women with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to cervical cancer.

Q: How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

A: Cervical cancer is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, Pap smear, and biopsy. A Pap smear is a screening test that involves collecting cells from the cervix to check for abnormal cell growth. A biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue from the cervix to examine for cancer cells.

Q: What are the treatment options for cervical cancer?

A: The treatment options for cervical cancer depend on the stage and severity of the disease. Common treatment options include:

Surgery: Surgery may be performed to remove the tumor or affected tissue.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using medications to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Combination therapy: Combination therapy involves using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Q: Can cervical cancer be prevented?

A: Yes, cervical cancer can be prevented through early detection and prevention. Women should undergo regular Pap smear or IVA tests to detect cervical cancer early. Additionally, vaccination against HPV can help prevent cervical cancer.

Q: What is the prognosis for cervical cancer?

A: The prognosis for cervical cancer depends on the stage and severity of the disease. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of survival. However, in advanced stages, the prognosis is often poor.

Q: How can I reduce my risk of cervical cancer?

A: To reduce your risk of cervical cancer, you can:

Get vaccinated against HPV: Vaccination against HPV can help prevent cervical cancer.
Undergo regular Pap smear or IVA tests: Regular screening can help detect cervical cancer early.
Avoid smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer.
Practice safe sex: Practicing safe sex can help reduce the risk of HPV infection.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help reduce the risk of cervical cancer.