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The pandemic, which has taken the largest share in the health expenditures of countries for the last 2 years, has rendered the treatments of cervical cancer, the 4th most common cancer among women, inadequate. The World Health Organization announced that more than 55% of the 600,000 new cases in the world in 2020 alone resulted in death. One out of every 5 women in Turkey is infected with the HPV virus, which brings along to cervical cancer.

*** This release is originally published in Turkish.
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ISTANBUL (TR) - Cervical cancer, which is the 4th most common cancer among women in the world, has turned into a bigger threat in the pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that cervical cancer treatments were insufficient since 43% of countries transferred their health opportunities to the fight against the pandemic and that more than 55% (342,000) of 604,000 new cases resulted in death in 2020 alone. According to WHO data, more than 300,000 women die from cervical cancer every year in the world. 9 out of 10 deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Worldwide, women living with the HPV virus are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than healthy women. In Turkey, one out of every 5 women has the HPV virus, which causes cervical cancer.

Stating that cervical cancer is among the deadliest diseases caused by the HPV virus in the world, Gynecological Oncology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Gökhan Boyraz said, "There is a direct relationship between the HPV virus, which has more than 200 types, and cervical cancer. The HPV virus causes many fatal diseases, from anus, vagina, penis, and larynx cancer, to the formation of warts in the external genital areas and vocal cords. 50% of those who get cervical cancer are exposed to HPV 16, a type of this virus, and 20% are exposed to HPV 18. According to studies, the incidence of HPV among young women in Turkey is 20%. In other words, the HPV virus is found in one out of every 5 women in Turkey."

Not an obstetrician, but a gynecological oncologist!

Stating that the colposcopy procedure, which enables the cervix to be examined by magnifying it with a microscope, directs the early detection of the disease, Gynecological Oncology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Gökhan Boyraz said, “The training and experience of the physician who performs this procedure can save lives. Precancerous lesions may be overlooked during in-depth procedures. This may eliminate the chance of early diagnosis, which is of great importance for the treatment of the disease. Regular gynecological examinations make it possible to diagnose the disease at an early stage. It is of critical importance that the treatment of the disease is carried out by specialists in gynecological oncology departments, which require special training and experience, not obstetrics departments.”

A strong immune system is the biggest enemy of HPV

Stating that not every positive HPV test indicates cervical cancer, Assoc. Dr. Gökhan Boyraz made the following assessment regarding the formation and treatment process of the disease: “The immune system is activated from the moment HPV, which is mostly transmitted during sexual intercourse, enters the body and produces antibodies to remove this virus from the body. A strong immune system can clear the virus from the body within 12 months. Otherwise, the virus starts the cancer process by penetrating the DNA in the cells of the cervix. In this bad scenario, the lesions in the cervix spread rapidly to the entire cervix in 3 stages. Smoking and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and irregular sleep habits increase the possibility of the virus building a permanent wall on the cervix.”

HPV vaccine provides significant protection

The HPV vaccine is widely used all over the world. There is also HPV vaccine in Turkey and patients can access it from pharmacies. With the vaccine, individuals introduce HPV to their immune systems and ensure that HPV does not enter the body, or if it does, it cannot be adhered to. Assoc. Dr. Gökhan Boyraz said, “I recommend the vaccine to all female patients before the sexually active age, and even to my patients diagnosed with HPV.”

AHCC Boosts the Immune System, accelerating the clearing process of HPV

Stating that the alpha-glucan-weighted Active Hexose Correlation Compound (AHCC) substance obtained from Shiitake, a black forest mushroom, which is used only by the emperors in Japan, strengthens the immune system and facilitates the clearance of the HPV virus from the body, Assoc. Dr. Gökhan Boyraz said, “The number of studies in this direction is increasing. In a study conducted in the USA, it was reported that 1 gram of AHCC supplementation per day for 6 months increased the clearance of the HPV virus from the body by approximately 45%. In the same study, when the daily dose was increased, it was found that 66.7% of the virus was cleared in patients who used 3 grams of AHCC per day for 6 months, and about 70% in those who used it for 12 months. AHCC, as a powerful antioxidant, strengthens the body's immune system and supports its fight against the virus.” Stating that there are both domestic production and imported AHCC products in Turkey, Assoc. Dr. Gökhan Boyraz recommended AHCC to HPV patients after clinical treatment procedures and during the follow-up period.