January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month — Benik Mkhitaryan

In Armenia, cervical cancer is diagnosed in approximately 260–270 women annually, and unfortunately, it claims the lives of more than 100 women each year. Importantly, this type of cancer is highly treatable in its early stages, with a 5-year survival rate of up to 95%. For locally advanced cases, this rate drops to 60–65%, and in late presentations, treatment focuses primarily on improving quality of life and extending survival, as curative treatment is no longer possible.

In the “Ask a Doctor” podcast by Armenpress, Dr. Benik Mkhitaryan, oncologist at the Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center, discusses the main causes, symptoms, prevention, and modern treatment options for cervical cancer.

Dr. Mkhitaryan explains that the primary cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is detected in over 99% of women with cervical cancer. In many cases, the infection can persist without any symptoms for a long time, highlighting the critical role of screening programs.

The podcast also covers:

The importance of Pap tests and HPV testing,

The appropriate screening schedule for different age groups,

The effectiveness of HPV vaccination.

The expert’s key message is clear: awareness and prevention can save lives. Even in the absence of symptoms, it is essential to undergo timely examinations and take care of your health.

For more details, the full podcast can be listened to via the following link: https://armenpress.am/hy/article/1240507