Dr Hagensee on Strategies For Cervical Cancer Prevention

Michael Hagensee, MD, PhD, professor, medicine, Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, Section of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health, New Orleans School of Medicine, discusses cervical cancer prevention measures that both clinicians and patients should be aware of and highlights ongoing research investigating barriers to cervical cancer treatment and care.

Globally, oncologists and researchers aim to eradicate cervical cancer, Hagensee begins. Certain vaccines are designed to fight infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) strains that cause cervical cancer, he says. Ensuring the widespread availability of these vaccines is crucial, as they must be administered prior to HPV exposure, Hagensee explains. Ideally, individuals should seek HPV vaccination between the ages of 9 and 25 years to maximize its protective effects, he notes, adding that these vaccines constitute primary cervical cancer prevention.

Additionally, secondary cervical cancer prevention methods exist, Hagensee expands. Upon detection of lesions induced by HPV, diagnostic intervention can prevent these lesions’ progression to cancer, according to Hagensee. This intervention commonly involves cervical pap smears for lesion identification and testing samples for the presence of the virus itself, he elucidates. Notably, Hagensee emphasizes that the main message here remains clear: oncologists possess the necessary tools to eliminate cervical cancer.

However, many patients face barriers to accessing these potentially life-saving measures, he reports. Addressing these barriers constitutes the focal point of several research endeavors, Hagensee says. However, the conventional cervical cancer screening model, which requires patients to seek care at clinics or hospitals, may not always be effective due to various reasons, Hagensee notes. Therefore, the concept of bringing cancer care and prevention to patients through other means emerges as a viable alternative, Hagensee emphasizes.

Making cervical cancer screening more accessible to patients includes facilitating more accessible screening procedures, including the possibility of conducting certain tests at home, he continues. Emotional wellbeing and education play a critical role, as health care providers must ensure patients' fears and misconceptions are heard and that patients comprehend the importance of screening. Health care providers, including oncologists, must remain cognizant of these screening challenges and strive to dismantle barriers, Hagensee concludes.