Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Increasing burden of cervical cancer in India and its prevention
Pune (Voice News Service): January is celebrated as Cervical Cancer awareness month across India to spread awareness and highlight the increasing burden of cervical cancer in women in India. In India, cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among women, and it is most prevalent in those who are between the ages of 15 and 44. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is currently recognised as the main etiological factor in cervical cancer. However, HPV infection is frequently transient, and only a few women with chronic infection ultimately acquire cervical cancer.
India accounts for the highest number of Cervical Cancer cases in Asia followed by China, according to the latest Lancet study on the disease. The research revealed that out of the 40% of the total deaths from Cervical Cancer, 23% occurred in India. According to a study, the current estimates show that every year, 1,23,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 77,348 women pass away from the disease in India, which has 483.5 million women who are at risk of developing the disease. A study done by Indus Health Plus reveals that around 31%, required further investigations and a regular follow up with a Gynaecologist. It was also observed that the incidence is similar across metro and two and three tier cities.
Cervical cancer has been linked to behavioural and lifestyle factors, as well as sexually transmitted diseases such bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia trachomatis, HSV, and HIV. These include long-term use of oral contraceptives, low socioeconomic position, high parity, smoking, early sexual experience, HIV co-infection, teenage pregnancy, several sexual partners, a close spacing between pregnancies, and STDs (STI).
Who is at High Risk:
- Long lasting infection with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) causes Cervical Cancer
- Having a weakened immune system (poor nutritional status, immune-compromise, HIV infection)
- Smoking or breathing in second-hand smoke
- Becoming sexually active at an early age and having multiple sexual partners-increases the chances of exposure to high-risk-HPV. History of sexually transmitted diseases
- Other reproductive factors like use of OCPs (Oral Contraceptive pills) and giving birth to many children have been found to be associated with Cervical Cancer risk
- Genetic susceptibility
Symptoms:
Early-stage cervical cancer “usually has no signs or symptoms.
The following symptoms are indicative of advanced cervical cancer:
- Vaginal bleeding after sexual activity, during menstruation, or after menopause
- *Watery, bloody discharge that may be heavy and have an unpleasant odour
- *Discomfort during sexual activity
- *Unexplained, persistent pelvic and/or back pain
What is Pap smear test:
For many years, the Pap test has been the standard screening method for Cervical cancer. Retrospective data has shown that screening, reduces the incidence of Cervical Cancer by 60-90% and death rate by 90%
It is a test done by collecting sample specimen from outer cervix at the transformation zone of a woman, by a trained-personnel. Re-testing is advisable every 2 years, incase normal. However, if found abnormal, follow up is strictly to be adhered to, in-consultation with a Gynaecologist for further management
Prevention and early detection:
Cervical Cancer is preventable and curable, if detected early. Regular screenings with pap tests and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests to identify any precancers and cure them will help avoid it. Additionally, it can be avoided by getting the HPV vaccine.
Other preventive measures include:
- Quitting smoking
- Delaying first sexual intercourse
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Practicing safer sex by using condoms
- Refraining from having sex with those who have genital warts or exhibit other symptoms
Women can be immunised to avoid this malignancy as early as their teenage years.
