Cervical Cancer: Are You at Risk? Symptoms and 6 other important facts

Pandey’s official Instagram post read, “This morning is difficult for us. We are very sad to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam due to cervical cancer. Every living person who ever came in contact with her , she was filled with pure love and kindness. In this time of grief, we would request privacy while we remember her fondly for everything we shared.”

Sadly, this news comes just a day after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the interim budget, said that the government will encourage vaccination for girls in the age group of 9-14 years to prevent cervical cancer. The Center had last year announced that the India-made quadrivalent vaccine could be evaluated for inclusion in the Universal Immunization Program (UIP) as a twin-dose regimen for adolescent girls.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer, classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the fourth most common cancer in women, arises from abnormal cell growth in the cervix.

In 2020 alone, approximately 604,000 women worldwide were diagnosed with cervical cancer, resulting in approximately 342,000 deaths. If cervical cancer is detected in its early stages, its treatment is possible.

How can you get infected?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause, accounting for 99% of cases. Sexually transmitted infections, which affect one’s throat, genitals, and skin, often show no symptoms. While the immune system usually clears the virus, persistent infection can lead to abnormal cell growth, which can turn into cancer.

The transformation from abnormal cells to cancerous cells usually lasts 15–20 years, but in women with weakened immune systems, the process may be accelerated by 5–10 years.

Who is at risk for cervical cancer?

Young mothers, hormonal contraceptive users, smokers, and those with other sexually transmitted infections are at higher risk of cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

• Abnormal bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after intercourse
• increased or foul smelling vaginal discharge
• Persistent pain in the back, legs, or pelvis
• weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite
• vaginal discomfort
• swelling in legs

How can cervical cancer be detected, prevented and treated?

Regular screening and HPV vaccination contribute significantly to prevention and early detection.

Treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy as well as secondary care for pain management.

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Published: 02 Feb 2024, 03:23 PM IST