Cervical cancer in India: What every sexually active woman should know

Did you know one woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India?

By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | | Published: January 8, 2018 12:38 pm

Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in women in India. According to data, around 122,844 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed annually in India and about 67,477 cervical cancer deaths occur annually in India. The rate of incidence of cervical cancer is the highest between 40 years to 65 years. Also, cervical cancer mortality comparison, premature deaths and disability in India increases in a sexually active woman (preferably 20- 24 years of age). With the deadly figures, it goes without saying that every sexually active woman should be aware of certain things when it comes to cervical cancer in India. Here are few reasons: Also Read - 5 most common cancers among women

Also Read - Ovarian cancer: A frequent and urgent need to urinate could be a warning sign

#1. One woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India. Yes, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in India in women accounting for 22.86% of all cancer cases in women and 12% of all cancer cases in both men and women. Here’s more on HPV and cervical cancer: 5 important facts every woman MUST know! Also Read - Human papillomavirus infection: Know its line of treatment

#2. Cancers of cervix and breast in females account for over 50% of all cancer deaths in India. According to the Globocan 2012 data, the newly registered cases of cervical cancer are 1,23,000 and the deaths due to it are 67,500.

#3. Rural women are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer as compared to their urban counterparts. Cervical cancer is the third largest cause of cancer mortality in India accounting for nearly 10% of all cancer-related deaths in the country. Also read symptoms of cervical cancer.

#4. HPV 16 is the most common type detected followed by HPV18, 45 and 33 in India. Worldwide, HPV16 and 18 (the two vaccine-preventable types) contribute to over 70% of all cervical cancer cases. After HPV16/18, the six most common HPV types are the same in all world regions, namely 31, 33, 35, 45, 52 and 58; these account for an additional 20% of cervical cancers worldwide. The relative five-year survival averages to 48.7%. The length of survival depends on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. This is why timely diagnosis is the need of the hour.

#5. HPV is a necessary cause of cervical cancer, but it is not a sufficient cause. Other cofactors are necessary for progression from cervical HPV infection to cancer. Tobacco smoking, high parity, long-term hormonal contraceptive use, and co-infection with HIV have been identified as established cofactors. Co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and herpes simplex virus type-2, immunosuppression, and certain dietary deficiencies are other probable cofactors. Here are 11 risk factors for cervical cancer.

With inputs from NICPR (Nationa Institute of cancer prevention and Research) and NHP (National Health Portal of India)

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Published : January 8, 2018 12:38 pm

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