KATHMANDU: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been detected in 90 women out of 2,779 who participated in a free breast and cervical cancer screening programme conducted by Kathmandu Metropolitan City in coordination with Bir Hospital.
According to the metropolis, the screening programme held from March 30 to May 3 found HPV-16 infection in 12 women, HPV-18 infection in 13 women, and other types of HPV infection in 65 women.
Doctors have clarified that an HPV infection does not mean a person has cancer but indicates a potential risk of developing cervical cancer in the future.
A total of 3,494 women registered for the programme, but only 2,975 visited the hospital for screening. Among them, 2,961 women underwent breast cancer screening, including 411 mammograms and 494 breast ultrasound examinations.
During the screening, early signs of cervical cancer were detected in 11 women. Four were identified as high-risk cases, while seven were categorised as low-risk cases.
Similarly, four women were advised to undergo breast biopsies. Two of them were later confirmed to have breast cancer and are currently receiving treatment, according to the metropolitan city.
Ward-wise data showed that 11 women from Ward No. 22 tested positive for HPV, followed by nine from Ward No. 16, seven each from Wards No. 14 and 15, and six from Ward No. 7. No HPV infections were detected among women screened from Wards No. 2, 12, 17, 18, 20, and 21.
Doctors have advised women aged 30 to 60 to undergo cervical cancer screening once every five years. They have also urged women to seek immediate medical attention if they notice breast lumps, changes in breast size, or other unusual symptoms.
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