3 shocking facts about HPV and cervical cancer in India

Studies in India indicate about 5% of women are estimated to harbour cervical HPV-16/18 infection at a given time.

By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | | Published: January 31, 2018 12:46 pm

World Cancer Day is observed on 4th February every year. The theme for 2018 is ‘We can. I can.’ It aims to unite individuals and organization to raise awareness about cancer and work to make it a global health priority. Also Read - 5 most common cancers among women

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

Did you know that after breast cancer, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Indian women? And the cases of HPV-related cancer are on the rise in India, as per a recent statistical analysis. The analysis by SRL Diagnostics revealed that women from 16 – 30 years (14%) age group had the highest percentage of positive cases of high-risk HPV, and hence are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Here’s more on HPV and cervical cancer in India that every woman must be aware of! Also Read - World Cancer Day 2020: Ovarian cancer has silent symptoms - how to detect early

#1. Studies in India indicate that about 5% of women in the general population are estimated to harbour cervical HPV-16/18 infection at a given time. Dr B.R Das, Advisor and Mentor – R&D and Molecular Pathology, SRL Diagnostics said, Though most of the HPV infections clear up on their own and most pre-cancerous lesions resolve spontaneously, a persistence of such high-risk HPV infection has 100 fold risk of high-grade cervical cancer. Therefore, the main goal of cervical cancer screening should be to detect and treat pre-cancerous cells before cancer develops . Identifying these symptoms of cervical cancer on time can save your life.

#2. Almost 100% of cervical cancers are caused by long-term (over a decade), persistent HPV infections. Among 100 different HPV types, 8 most common high-risk HPV types: 16, 18, 45, 33, 31, 52, 58, and 35 account for 91% of all cases of cervical cancer. HPV 16, 18, and 45 are known to occur in 75% of the most common type of cervical cancer (squamous cell) and in 94% of adenocarcinomas (the second most common form). Considering its role in cervical cancer, HPV testing has become an essential part of current clinical practice mainly for the management of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions.

#3. In India, in spite of alarmingly high figures, there is no nationwide government-sponsored screening program. Due to affordability issues and lack of awareness, reflex testing is more popular, particularly in suspected/high-risk cases. However, there is a need for the right screening method for cervical cancer to diagnose the cancer in the early stage and treat it. Here are few things you must know about cervical cancer screening.

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Published : January 31, 2018 12:46 pm

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