Doing Babes-Papanicolau test regularly prevents cervical cancer

Doing the Babes-Papanicolau test regularly is the safest way of preventing cervical cancer. In Moldova, the test is free for women with heath policy. They can go to the family doctor and ask doing the test. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo, professor Mircea Sofroni, who manages the scientific onco-gynecology laboratory of the Chisinau Oncology Institute, said that when detected at an early stage the cervical cancer may be cured. The test can also help find infections and anomalies that can lead to cervical cancer. ”At the incipient stages, the cervical cancer does not have symptoms. That’s why it is very important that the women do the test every year. The symptoms at advanced stages include abnormal vaginal secretion, pain and bloody secretions during the sexual intercourse, and irregular menstruation,” said the doctor. The average age of the women with pre-cancer states is 30-33 years. The cervical cancer in Moldova ranks first among diseases of women’s genital organs. 150-160 women with cervical cancer die every year. The average age at which the cervical cancer is diagnosed is 45-49 years. The number of breast cancer cases also increases every year. This disease is identified in about 900 women yearly. Mircea Sofroni said screenings are done in the country’s districts in order to promote the prophylactic control of breast cancer and cervical cancer. “Normally, we should organize screening all over the country, but we do not have finances at the moment,” said the doctor. Oncological screenings will be initiated in Chisinau and in the districts of Soroca, Stefan-Voda, Calarasi, Orhei, and Dubasari. The National Health Insurance Company, in partnership with the Health Ministry, the Oncology Institute, the State University of Medicine and Pharmaceutics “Nicolae Testemitanu” and the Club “Prosanatate”, organize the week dedicated to women, themed “For Her”, between March 4 and 8.