Cervical Cancer: Understanding the Impact of HPV

Cervical Cancer: Understanding the Impact of HPV

Learning Objectives

- Understand the natural history and development of cervical cancer
- Be informed on the role of Human papillomavirus (HPV) in the aetiology and pathogenesis of cervical cancer
- Be aware of the prevalence of cervical cancer
- Effective communication around what it means to have a HPV infection
- Importance of normalising HPV infection to encourage women from under-served population groups to engage with screening
- Know the clinical signs and symptoms of cervical cancer
- Understand the clinical diagnosis and management of cervical cancer

What do you already know about cervical cancer and HPV?

Understanding Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Natural History and Development

Cervical cancer develops slowly over time and begins with the abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.

Role of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a group of related viruses, some of which are spread through sexual contact. Certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer.

Prevalence of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with an estimated 570,000 new cases in 2018.

HPV Infection Communication

Effective communication is essential in conveying the implications of HPV infection and its association with cervical cancer.

Normalizing HPV Infection

Normalizing HPV infection can help reduce stigma and encourage women, especially from under-served populations, to engage in screening and preventive measures.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

Common signs of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse.

Clinical Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis involves Pap tests, HPV testing, and colposcopy. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Interactive Activity: Case Studies

Engage in case studies to analyze real-life scenarios of cervical cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Empowering Women through Education

Educating women about cervical cancer, HPV, and the importance of screening is crucial in empowering them to take charge of their health.

Public Health Implications

Addressing cervical cancer and HPV infection has broader public health implications, particularly in reducing disparities in access to healthcare.

Q&A Session

Engage in a question and answer session to clarify any doubts or concerns about cervical cancer, HPV, and related topics.

Benefits of Early Detection

Early detection of cervical cancer and HPV infection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Supporting Under-Served Populations

Efforts to support under-served populations in accessing cervical cancer screening and education are essential for reducing disparities in healthcare.

Interactive Discussion: Overcoming Barriers

Engage in a discussion about the barriers that hinder women from under-served populations in seeking cervical cancer screening and care.

Educational Campaigns

Creating educational campaigns to raise awareness about cervical cancer and HPV infection can play a pivotal role in promoting preventive care.

Empathy and Communication

Practicing empathy and effective communication is crucial in providing support to individuals affected by cervical cancer and HPV infection.

Promoting Preventive Care

Promoting preventive care through regular screenings and vaccination against HPV can significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer.

Summary and Reflection

Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson and encourage students to reflect on the significance of understanding cervical cancer and HPV.

Assessment: Quiz

Administer a quiz to assess the understanding of the material covered in the lesson and evaluate students' comprehension.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.