Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early. Cancer is a fatal disease that cannot be conquered in humans, and cervical cancer in particular is a fatal disease that ranks fourth in cancer incidence and mortality among all women. In Korea, free cervical cancer screening is selected based on conditions, and not only screening but also vaccination is provided. Let’s find out information about free cervical cancer screening and vaccination in 2024.
What is cervical cancer?
The entrance to the uterus, which begins from the vagina to the uterus, is called the cervix, and cancer cells found in that area are called cervical cancer. In most cases, cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact. In most women, the virus disappears immediately when infected, but over time, chronic infection may cause mutations in cervical cells. This is called ‘pre-cancer’ (a pathological condition that is not cancer but has a relatively high probability of becoming cancer if left untreated), and if left untreated, it can ‘silently’ develop into cancer over 15-20 years.
Free cervical cancer screening in 2024
The cause of most cervical cancers is the human papilloma virus. Due to the nature of cancer cells, there is a possibility of metastasis to other nearby organs, so early detection and early treatment are important. When discovered early, the cure rate is high, and a positive prognosis can be expected with a survival rate of 8 to 90% for more than 5 years. It is said that prevention is possible with just regular checkups.
Just as regular checkups are conducted once every two years after becoming an adult, cervix examinations are also provided free of charge once every two years to adult women over the age of 20. As it is a test supported by the government, it is possible to undergo the test without financial burden, and to increase the possibility of treatment through early detection, we recommend that you do not forget to get it when your test year approaches.
Free vaccination
1) All female adolescents aged 12 to 17 years,
2) This applies to women aged 18 to 26 and from low-income families (lower class, recipients of basic livelihood security, and eligible for disability allowance).
Check eligibility for free cervical cancer screening ▶
Search for ‘National Health Insurance’, visit the site, and follow the steps below to find out whether you are eligible for free cervical cancer screening in 2024.
You can check whether or not.
Cervical cancer vaccination age
Cervical cancer is a cancer that can be prevented through vaccines. Cervical cancer vaccination is applicable to both men and women between the ages of 9 and 26. The reason it is not administered from ages 26 and older is because there is a possibility that the person is already infected with HPV, which is known to be the main cause of cervical cancer. Because it is high. The most appropriate age for cervical cancer vaccination is before the age of 13, and for those under the age of 15, antibodies are generated with two doses. It is said that if you are over 15 years of age, you must receive a total of 3 vaccinations to be vaccinated.*However, for women, vaccination is recommended up to the age of 45.
1) 9 to 14 years old
Two doses of vaccination are administered, and the second vaccination is administered within 6 to 12 months after the first vaccination.
2) 15 to 26 years old
Children over 15 years of age receive 3 doses of vaccine
The second vaccination is administered 2 months after the first vaccination, and the third vaccination is administered 4 months after the second vaccination.
*Vaccination must be administered at the recommended intervals to be effective in building the immune system.
Cervical cancer vaccination price
Gardasil 9ga 1 time – around 200,000 won
Gardasil 4-ga, one time basis – around 100,000 to 150,000 won
One Cervarix treatment costs around 100,000 won.
Usually, there are many places that only vaccinate against Gardasil 9,
If you pay 3 times at once, you often get a further discount of around 550,000 to 700,000 won.
Men need to be hit too.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has a high infection rate, so if you are going to get vaccinated, your partner or husband must also get vaccinated. In most cases, HPV is transmitted and infected through sexual relationships. Since only one person gets vaccinated, it cannot completely prevent the virus, so it is recommended for both men and women to get vaccinated for a healthy relationship.
How to prevent cervical cancer
Cervical cancer prevention should begin as early as age 9, before exposure to HPV. The first step in prevention is getting vaccinated against HPV between the ages of 9 and 14. This is a recommendation from the World Health Organization. The Korean government has been providing free vaccinations to female adolescents aged 12 and older since 2016. Cervical cancer spreads very quickly and is complex, so it can be treated with surgery only in the early stages. However, having to stay in the hospital for a long time following a hysterectomy can be a huge burden in many ways for the woman and her family. Screening is also an important element in preventing cervical cancer.