Early detection can cure cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer. There are around 100 different forms of HPV, with about 14 of them being high-risk cancer-causing strains. The high-risk strains of the virus can survive in the body for up to two years, integrating with cells and progressing to cervical cancer. Early detection requires regular screening.
Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in India. According to the Globocan 2020 report, cervical cancer affects 18.3 percent of Indian women. Due to a lack of awareness, hesitancy, or restricted access to medical services, only a small percentage of women in India are screened for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancers once diagnosed, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively.
Risk factors for Cervical Cancer
- Multiple sexual partners.
- Early sexual activity.
- Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Lower immune status (HIV-positive patients)
- Smoking
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
A woman may have no symptoms at all in the early stages. Hence a regular Pap test or Co test is even more crucial. the most common signs of cervical cancer:
- Pelvic
- Bleeding between
- Bleeding after sexual
- Bleeding in post-menopausal
- Malodorous vaginal discharge
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
- Regular Pap test or Co testing for HPV virus
- HPV vaccination
- Practicing safe intercourse
HPV Vaccine
HPV is the causative agent in both squamous and adenocarcinoma of the cervix, hence HPV vaccine can be given to prevent cervical cancer.
- Quadrivalent Gardasil (HPV 16,18,6&11) was available.
- US FDA approved Gardasil 9 in 2014, as protective against 9 strains of HPV (6,11, 16,18, 31, 33, 45, 52,58) .
- The vaccine is administered at 0,1 and 6 months to men & women from age groups 9 to 45.
- The newly developed vaccine in India- CERVAVAC, effective against HPV 6,11,16,18.
We, at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, are equipped to treat cervical cancer and prevent it with the HPV vaccine. Consult a gynecologist for further intervention and care.
HOD, Obstetrics & Gynecology