Cervical cancer has beaten breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in India; it kills around 33,000 women every year in India. Cervical cancer is known to occur because of a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) transmitted through sexual contact. Bad local hygiene, too many children, not enough spacing between children, low nutrition levels and early marriage all contribute to the risk factors. The high risk group includes girls who have had premature sex as teenagers, those who have had multiple pregnancies or multiple sex partners and don’t use contraceptives. The disease remains asymptomatic for a long time till it starts invading neighbouring tissues.
Cervical cancer is the commonest cancer in Indian women and a quarter of the world’s cervical cancer patients live in India!Caused by infection with the Human Papilloma Virus( HPV), cervical cancer involves the opening of the uterus into the vagina. It occurs more commonly in women who start sexual activity at a young age and is also more common in women with many childbirths and partners.
Here are some of the risk factors about which every woman should be aware of.
In early stages (even in the precancerous stages), cervical cancers usually do not cause symptoms. Only during the later stages of cancer is when one or more of these symptoms may be noticeable:
The process of transformation of a precancerous state to cervical cancer takes approximately 10 years or more. During this period, a simple test called Pap smear can detect this precancerous state.
Pap smears are recommended for all sexually active women, the test being repeated at three yearly intervals if normal and at 5 yearly intervals if both Pap smear and testing for high risk strains of HPV are negative.
VIA, a simple test, which basically consists of applying vinegar to the cervix and then inspecting it, can be easily administered by health workers. In a landmark study by Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, mass screening of women was found to reduce the risk of dying due to cervical cancer by a whopping 30 %. It is known that mass screening for cervical cancer once in 10 years can reduce the incidence of this disease by 60 %!
The affected area of the cervix can be effectively treated by a gynecologist using simple treatment methods. Here are some of the treatment options for cervical cancer:
Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery and laser surgery.
The treatment options for women with cervical cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of two or more of these methods.
Here is a detailed information on the various treatment options for cervical cancer.
When followed up and treated properly, pre-cancerous conditions of cervical cancer are completely curable. There is 92% chance of a five-year survival for cancer that has spread to the inside of the cervix walls but not outside the cervix area. The five-year survival rate falls steadily as the cancer spreads into other areas.
Here are are a few things you can do to prevent cervical cancer:
Cervical cancer vaccine: It is essential to emphasize the best protection against cervical cancer.
Educating and enlightening women in screening campaigns is vital so they can get screened occasionally to confirm a better future.
Regular discussions between healthcare providers and women are the backbone of maintaining a healthy life full of shared understanding, proactive care, and empowerment.
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Another era of cervical disease counteraction and early analysis has been achieved in the digital age.
Cervical cancer presents itself slowly, and hence regular screening gives us many opportunities to curb or impede the pre-cancerous cells.
Can the HPV vaccine prevent cervical cancer?
Women above 30 should consider Pap testing every five years if paired with HPV co-testing.
WHO recommends DNA testing as a first-choice screening method for cervical cancer prevention.
"Since 1980s sperm banking has been the mainstay of preserving fertility for cancer survivors" Dr Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson of radiation oncology, Cancer Center, Medanta The Medicity.
Owing to poor hygiene, lack of awareness and inadequate screening, the incidence of cervical cancer is higher in rural India than it is in urban India.
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There are a few reasons cervical cancer is known as a silent killer among women. For one, the disease doesn't present any symptoms until it is at a later stage.
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A new study published in The Lancet Oncology journal has suggested that Human papillomavirus screening and vaccination must be taken up on a war footing in countries like India to prevent 15 million cervical cancer deaths among women by 2050. Shutterstock
Suvidha did not let breast cancer control her life. It is her positive approach that helped her sail through the condition.
A new study published in the journal of the National Cancer Institute has revealed that researchers have developed a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based computer algorithm that can identify cervical cancer with greater accuracy than a human expert.
The new device for screening cervical cancer enables health workers to zoom and capture images by just pressing a button. However, detecting early symptoms can also help to prevent cervical cancer. Here we have mentioned a few symptoms which women should watch out for.
Educating and enlightening women in screening campaigns is vital so they can get screened occasionally to confirm a better future.
Regular discussions between healthcare providers and women are the backbone of maintaining a healthy life full of shared understanding, proactive care, and empowerment.
The Significance Of HPV+LBC Co-Testing And Its Implications For Early Detection.
Another era of cervical disease counteraction and early analysis has been achieved in the digital age.
Cervical cancer presents itself slowly, and hence regular screening gives us many opportunities to curb or impede the pre-cancerous cells.
Can the HPV vaccine prevent cervical cancer?
Women above 30 should consider Pap testing every five years if paired with HPV co-testing.
WHO recommends DNA testing as a first-choice screening method for cervical cancer prevention.
"Since 1980s sperm banking has been the mainstay of preserving fertility for cancer survivors" Dr Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson of radiation oncology, Cancer Center, Medanta The Medicity.
Owing to poor hygiene, lack of awareness and inadequate screening, the incidence of cervical cancer is higher in rural India than it is in urban India.
Chances of getting cervical cancer don't stop at HPV Vaccinations. Here is why cervical cancer screening is important and women should opt for it even if they are vaccinated.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the healthcare system has been suffering. Cancer detection and treatment, particularly cervical cancer, have also been delayed. Here's how you should deal with it during the pandemic.
HPV vaccination is recommended to lower the chances of developing cervical cancer. But who all can take HPV vaccines and when?
There are a few reasons cervical cancer is known as a silent killer among women. For one, the disease doesn't present any symptoms until it is at a later stage.
A study has found a link between stress and cervical cancer. It underlines the importance of psychological screening and intervention in this cancer.
A new study states that the diagnosis of cancer and diabetes in women takes longer compared to men. Here are ways to diagnose these two conditions early in women.
Having a sound knowledge of the medical terms used in the oncology fraternity will help you evaluate your condition better and arm you up to take well-informed decisions.
A new study published in The Lancet Oncology journal has suggested that Human papillomavirus screening and vaccination must be taken up on a war footing in countries like India to prevent 15 million cervical cancer deaths among women by 2050. Shutterstock
Suvidha did not let breast cancer control her life. It is her positive approach that helped her sail through the condition.
A new study published in the journal of the National Cancer Institute has revealed that researchers have developed a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based computer algorithm that can identify cervical cancer with greater accuracy than a human expert.
The new device for screening cervical cancer enables health workers to zoom and capture images by just pressing a button. However, detecting early symptoms can also help to prevent cervical cancer. Here we have mentioned a few symptoms which women should watch out for.
Cervical Cancer in India needs urgent attention
Dr Veena cautions that during this period a lot of health issues and complaints are seen among women
Rajasthan Royals will wear a special pink jersey in Friday's home match against the Chennai Super Kings, to raise awareness about early cancer screening.
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