By Admin 
A serious and worrying truth related to women’s health is coming to light in India. A disease, about which even today many women are not able to talk openly, is swallowing thousands of lives every year. This disease is cervical cancer, which is called cervical cancer in Hindi.
Statistics show that every eight minutes a woman is dying in the country due to this disease alone. This situation is even more sad because experts say that if testing and vaccination is done in time, then this cancer can be prevented to a great extent.
How serious is the situation?
According to the report of AIIMS and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), every year new cases of cervical cancer are reported in about 1.23 lakh women in India, out of which about 77 thousand women lose their lives. This cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women. Especially its impact is being seen more on women from rural areas and poor families, where there is lack of awareness and health facilities.
What is cervical cancer and why does it happen?
Cervical cancer is mainly caused by infection with a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). If this virus stays in the body for a long time, it damages the cells of the body, which can lead to cancer. In most cases, its symptoms are not visible in the initial stages, hence women are not able to reach the doctor on time.
Its symptoms which need attention
Symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal internal bleeding, bleeding between periods or after intercourse, persistent pain in the stomach or waist, bad smelling discharge, fatigue and weakness. If any of these symptoms persist for a long time, it is important to get tested immediately.
What is its treatment?
Experts say that cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccination and regular checkups. In HPV vaccination, two doses for girls aged 9 to 14 years, three doses for girls above 15 years of age. This vaccine protects against HPV virus. The indigenous vaccine developed in India is being made available free from the government or at the rate of Rs 200–400 per dose in some states, whereas its price is higher in private hospitals. So far, more than 10 crore women have been examined under the National Health Mission.
Now, instead of traditional testing, emphasis is being laid on taking HPV DNA test to primary health centres, so that women from remote areas can also benefit. It has been a big challenge to take the woman to treatment after screening. To overcome this, the government has implemented Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Hub and Spoke Model, strong system of treatment and follow-up, so that no woman found positive in the test is deprived of treatment.
This disease is also a social issue
Experts believe that cervical cancer is not just a disease but also an issue of social justice. Because its biggest impact is on those women who are unable to reach the hospital due to economic, social or geographical reasons.
Also read: If mouth ulcers are occurring again and again, do not ignore them, this may be an incurable disease.
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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