Cervical Cancer Awareness in India: Identify the symptoms, act early to prevent it

India Today

2 days ago

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in India. The number of new cases of cervical cancer is on the rise in India. Every year around 96,000 new cases are diagnosed. The most saddening thing is that more than 60,000 women are not diagnosed with this serious disease at the right time. The reason for this is lack of awareness about this disease amongst women. It is very important to understand the symptoms of this disease and take precautions to prevent it.advertisementUNDERSTANDING CERVICAL CANCER AND ITS SYMPTOMSCervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix. The part below the womb that is connected to the vagina is called the cervix. Most cases are caused by high-risk HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, which is a common sexually transmitted infection.The saddest thing is that in the early stages there are no obvious symptoms of cervical cancer, so regular screening is very important. Its symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, strange discharge, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse. If you notice these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. This is a life-saving step.
According to Dr Srinivas K Jois, Professor & Head , Dept of OBG, Bangalore Medical College & Research Institution, 'Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers in women for which the cause is clearly known, a virus called HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Fortunately, there is an effective primary preventive measure available in the form of a vaccine. It is important to recognise the symptoms and take early action to prevent this disease. I share this crucial message with all my patients: to prevent cervical cancer in time, it is essential for women to be aware of its symptoms and act promptly. Routine screenings such as Pap smears and HPV tests help detect precancerous changes in the body before cancer develops, allowing timely treatment. The HPV vaccine is safe and, when administered between the ages of 9 and 46, is highly effective , not only in preventing cervical cancer but also vaginal, vulvar, anal, and oral cancers.THE ROLE OF HPV VACCINATION AND SCREENINGadvertisementDr Arun H N, MS, MCh, FICS, FALS. Associate professor, Department of Surgical Oncology. Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology. Bengaluru said , 'Early detection by screening prevents death by cervical cancer. The most effective way to get rid of cervical cancer is to take the HPV vaccine on time. Primary prevention of cervical cancer through vaccination protects 90% of women. Along with taking the vaccine, women should also get themselves screened regularly. Women need to keep getting themselves tested and tested regularly till the age of 65. Actually, all types of HPV infections do not turn into cancer, but due to continuous infection, there is a change in the cells that can be detected through tests. And treatment can also be started in time".While discussing this topic, Dr Bhanuprakash C N, Consultant Pediatrician, BBMP, Bengaluru said, " Cervical cancer vaccine is most effective when administered before a person is exposed to HPV. CDC recommends HPV vaccination at the age of 11 or 12yrs can be administered as early as age 9yr."CHALLENGES IN INDIA: AWARENESS AND ACCESSThere are ways to prevent this cancer. But people lack awareness about cervical cancer in rural and less developed areas. Women do not get vaccinated due to lack of education, incorrect information, and cultural differences. There is a lack of health services and facilities in many places in India.advertisementMr Braja Kishore Pradhan, CEO & Founder of the Aahwahan Foundation, says, 'To defeat cervical cancer in India, I personally believe that eradicating cervical cancer requires a collective effort. We all need to come together, individuals, communities, and organisations—to create strong awareness among girls and women.Though we are actively working on this cause, it has been quite challenging to convince people, even when we are offering the HPV vaccine free of cost.The main barrier is a lack of awareness and openness, especially since the topic is sensitive and related to the vaginal area. Many girls and women are hesitant to talk about it, which makes our work even more difficult.We urgently need more awareness programs to help them understand the importance and safety of the vaccine. This cannot be done alone. I sincerely appeal to all NGOs, educational institutions, health workers, doctors and community leaders to step forward and join hands with us.Together, we can reach underprivileged girls and women, especially in schools and colleges, and make a meaningful impact."Mobile health clinics and mass screening schemes can help in reaching rural and remote areas.'advertisementEMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH KNOWLEDGECorrect information on cervical cancer can help save women's lives. In awareness campaigns, it is important to dispel misconceptions about the HPV vaccine and screening along with providing information about symptoms of this disease and its prevention.Influential people in the community, healthcare providers, should have open and positive conversations with people about women's health. And discussion on this topic should be promoted in rural areas. So that women can be proactive about their health.