Cervical cancer awareness: Break social stigma, enhance genital hygiene, say experts

World cervical cancer awareness month is a global healthcare event to raise awareness of cervical cancer which is observed for the entire month of January every year The theme for this year is lsquoLearn Prevent ScreenrsquoAccording to data from the National Cancer Registry Programme report 10 per cent of women in Karnataka are suffering from cervical cancer Every 7 minutes one woman dies of cervical cancer in India experts sayMost cervical cancers are caused by persistent infections with highrisk strains of human papillomavirus HPV a sexually transmitted infectionLack of awareness about the symptoms of cervical cancer among the general public social stigma and late diagnosis are the primary reasons for such alarming results The experts have emphasised breaking the social stigma and enhancing genital hygieneDr Niti Raizada Senior Director Medical Oncology and Hemato Oncology Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru said that according to the latest GLOBOCAN data available for Karnataka reveals 4826 new cases constituting 39 per cent of all cancers in the state surpassing the national averageShe said that in the year 2020 3190 deaths occurred accounting for 86 per cent of cancerrelated deaths reflecting a higher mortality rate than the national averageldquoAdopting a healthy lifestyle by abstaining from smoking maintaining a healthy weight and practising caution in sexual partnerships reduces the risk Early detection is vital involving regular screenings like Pap tests from age 21rdquo Dr Raizada saidShe said that recognising symptoms such as abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain are crucialldquoConsistent use of condoms and maintaining good personal hygiene helps prevent infections These measures collectively aim to secure a healthier future for women in Karnataka mitigating the impact of cervical cancerrdquo she saidDr Padmalatha VV Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist SPARSH Hospital for Women and Children Yeswanthpur Bangalore explained that every seven minutes one woman dies of cervical cancer in India according to reportsDr Padmalatha said that the cervical cancer can be prevented by appropriate and timely administration of the HPV vaccinationldquoIt is highly recommended to start the vaccine for girls as early as 10 years well before potential exposure to the virus and can be given up to 45 years of agerdquo she saidShe said that the incidence of cervical cancer has declined in the west due to effective screening programs and extensive HPV vaccinationldquoWhile India has witnessed a rapid vaccination drive against cervical cancer sustained momentum is crucialrdquo she saidDr Padmalatha said that there persists a lack of awareness about HPV vaccination particularly in rural areas of India despite its proven benefitsDr Pratima Raj Associate Consultant ndash Gynaecologic Oncology Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road Bengaluru said that ldquoCervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix the opening of the uterus In the year 2023 cervical cancer accounted for 12 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in women in Karnataka as per the available statisticsrdquoDr Pratima Raj explains that bleeding between menstrual periods watery or bloody discharge from the vagina and foul odour in vaginal discharge excessive menstrual days excessive bleeding during menstruation bleeding after menopause pain or difficulty during intercourse and bleeding after intercourse are the primary symptoms of cervical cancer Dr Pratima said that it is crucial to seek medical advice and checkups without neglecting the symptoms or succumbing to shyness or fear about cancer and its treatmentDr Vidya V Bhat Fertility Specialist and Medical Director RadhaKrishna Multispeciality Hospital said that the enhancing genital hygiene undergoing regular Pap smears and HPV tests and receiving timely vaccination administered in three shots over six months during the teenage or early twenties stage all contribute significantly to reducing the risk of cervical cancerldquoWhile breast cancer cases have surged there has been a commendable 14 per cent reduction in cervical cancer incidents over the past decade in India attributed in part to the introduction of a vaccine in 2008 ldquoDespite this decline vigilance remains paramount especially for women aged 30 years and above particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who face elevated risks due to poor hygiene practices Dr Vidya V Bhat saidShe said that recognised risk factors encompass a family history of cervical cancer multiple childbirths prolonged use of birth control engagement in multiple sexual partnerships early sexual activity as well as smoking and obesity She said that to proactively mitigate risks women can adopt preventive measures such as steering clear of early marriages delaying sexual activity avoiding polygamous relationships refraining from smoking and limiting childbirthsDr Abhilasha Narayan Consultant Gynaec Oncology HCG Cancer Centre Bengaluru said that most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infections with highrisk strains of human papillomavirus HPV a sexually transmitted infection ldquoOver time these infections can lead to changes in the cells of the cervix potentially progressing to cancer It often develops slowly starting with precancerous changes that can be detected through Pap smears or HPV testing When diagnosed early cervical cancer is highly treatablerdquo Dr Abhilasha Narayan saysThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever