An overview about CERVICAL Cancer
Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent disease in women worldwide, with an expected 604,000 new cases and 342 000 deaths in 2020. Persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) leads to cervical cancer.
Women living with HIV are six times more likely to get cervical cancer than women without HIV. Prophylactic HPV vaccination, as well as screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions, are very successful and cost-effective methods of preventing cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer can be cured if detected early and treated appropriately.
According to WHO Reports, with 604 000 new instances of cervical cancer in 2020, it is the fourth most frequent malignancy in women worldwide. Roughly 90% of the 342 000 cervical cancer-related deaths took place in low- and middle-income nations.
January, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, 2024
This January 2024, we are raising awareness about cervical cancer awareness, and this year, 2024, the theme of cervical health awareness month is “Learn, Prevent, Screen.
The major purpose is to promote awareness about cervical cancer, encourage women to have cervical screenings (also known as smear tests), and teach them about the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination.
Why Early cervical cancer screening?
Early cervical cancer screening for girls and women provides several benefits, as it helps in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Here are some key advantages:
Early Detection of Precancerous Lesions:
Dr. Astha Dayal, leading OBGYN specialist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, said that cervical cancer screening, particularly with Pap smears or HPV (human papillomavirus) testing, can identify precancerous lesions or abnormalities in the cervix. Identifying these early phases enables intervention before cancer develops.
Prevention of Cervical Cancer:
Detecting and treating precancerous lesions can prevent the progression to cervical cancer. Early screening helps in managing and addressing potential risks before the disease becomes invasive.
Some preventive steps for Cervical cancer
The following are preventative methods for preventing cervical cancer:
- Getting the HPV vaccine
- Screening, early identification, and treatment of precancerous lesions
- abstain from smoking
- Having a Safe Sexual Experience
- less HPV exposure because the virus is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact
Improved Treatment Outcomes:
When cervical cancer is diagnosed early, treatment can be more effective, less intrusive, and lead to better results. Dr Astha says Early intervention may involve less aggressive treatments, which may lead to higher survival rates.
Reduction in Mortality Rates:
Early detection and improved treatment facilities significantly reduce women’s mortality rates from cervical cancer. Dr. Astha Dayal recommended Regular screenings help to reduce mortality rates by finding and treating cervical abnormalities before they become life-threatening.
Cost-Effective:
Cervical cancer screening is typically less expensive than treatment for advanced cervical cancer. Preventive methods like frequent Pap tests or HPV vaccines are often less expensive than cancer therapy. We offer HPV and pap smear tests at our GYNE center in Gurgaon.
Early Screening helps in Reproductive Health:
Early screening and testing help to protect reproductive health by preventing the development of cervical cancer. Women who receive timely intervention can sustain their fertility and overall reproductive health.
Prevention of HPV-related Cancers:
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains frequently leads to cervical cancer. Early detection and treatment of HPV infections, such as screening and vaccination, helps reduce the development of cervical cancer and other HPV-related malignancies.
Empowerment through Awareness programme:
Cervical cancer screening programs often come with many educational and awareness programmes that empower women with knowledge about their reproductive health. Increased awareness encourages regular screenings and proactive health behaviours.
As you can see, there are a lot of advantages to early cervical cancer screening, including better treatment outcomes, a decrease in women’s mortality rates, and the prevention and early identification of disease.
So we encourage girls and women to undergo regular screenings to combat cervical cancer.