Every year, more than 1.2 lakh new cases of cervical cancer are reported in women in India. It is the third most common cancer in women. Every year about 70 to 75 thousand women die from this disease, which is about one third of the deaths due to cervical cancer worldwide.

This cancer can be prevented in time, but the most dangerous thing is that its initial symptoms are often not visible. For this reason, there is a delay in its identification and prevention. In this article, we are telling about such signs and reasons, with the help of which we can be alert in time.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer that occurs in the lower part of a woman’s uterus, i.e. the cervix. The cervix is ​​the part that connects the uterus to the vagina.

When the cells in this part start growing abnormally and the body has no control over them, it is called cervical cancer. Its biggest cause is considered to be human papillomavirus i.e. HPV infection, although there are some other reasons behind it too.

HPV infection is the biggest cause

Human papillomavirus i.e. HPV infection is one of the main causes of cervical cancer. This virus spreads through sexual relations. HPV is considered responsible for about 80 percent of cervical cancer cases.

There are many types of HPV, but type 16 and type 18 are considered the most dangerous, because they can cause cancer in the future.

HPV infection is common, but when does the risk increase?

It is important to know that HPV is not a rare virus. Most women are infected with HPV at some point in their lives. The good thing is that in most cases the body’s immunity itself eliminates this virus.

The problem occurs when this virus persists in the body for a long time. In such cases the risk of cervical cancer increases.

Why does having more sexual partners increase the risk?

If a woman has more sexual partners, the risk of cervical cancer increases. This is because it increases the chances of contracting HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The virus spreads easily from one person to another due to unsafe sex and frequent change of partners. HPV is one such virus, which can cause cancer if it remains in the body for a long time.

Smoking also increases the risk

Smoking is often linked only to lung cancer, but its effects are not limited to this only. The poisonous chemicals present in cigarettes weaken the body’s immunity.

When immunity is weak, the body is unable to eliminate viruses like HPV. In such a situation, the risk of cervical cancer starts increasing gradually.

Repeated pregnancies also a risk factor

If a woman has had multiple pregnancies, her risk of cervical cancer may increase. This risk is especially seen in those women who have conceived at a young age.

long-term use of birth control pills

Some research suggests that women who take birth control pills for five years or more may have a slightly increased risk of cervical cancer. The hormones present in these pills affect the hormonal balance of the body, which can affect the cells of the neck of the uterus i.e. cervix.

Also read: Winter Hair Care: Due to these 4 problems, dandruff never goes away from the head, do you also make these mistakes?

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Hpv vaccine: This month, Pakistan included Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in its National Immunization Scheme. After this, rumors spread rapidly on social media, which claimed that girls are falling ill and this vaccine can cause infertility. However, health officers and international agencies are calling it completely wrong. He says that the common side effects of the vaccine are mild and temporary, such as arm pain, mild fever or fatigue. No scientific evidence proves that the HPV vaccine causes infertility.

Pakistan Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said, “Pakistan is the 151st country in the world where this vaccine is being given. Earlier this vaccine has been used in 150 countries, including almost all Muslim countries.” Pakistan introduced the HPV vaccine in September, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Gavi Vaccine Alliance support. The first phase of this vaccination targets girls between 9 and 14 years of age, and there are plans to increase coverage in the coming years.

What is the situation in Pakistan?

Two main strategies of protest are seen in Pakistan: Whataboutism and Cherry-Picking. In Whataboutism, people cite other diseases rather than the benefits of the vaccine, such as “Polio vaccine was not controversial?” Or “breast cancer is more common.” In Cherry-Picking, only a few incidents are picked up and campaigned against the vaccine, while the evidence of its being safe on millions of people is ignored.

According to a report, 3,000 women die every year in Pakistan. Questions are also being raised on social media whether it is necessary to stop so many deaths, while more people die from other diseases. Its treatment is expensive and difficult in countries like Pakistan, and women come for late treatment due to social stigma.

What is the attitude in India?

The stance on HPV vaccine in India is positive. Many states have introduced it for girls in schools and government health centers. Government of India and partner organizations have taken steps to ensure awareness campaign and safe rollout. HPV vaccine is not just a vaccine; This is an opportunity to protect girls and women. In both Pakistan and India, it shows that only supply is not enough, trust and awareness are also necessary. It is very important to give right information to parents, explain rumors and show evidence of security.

Also read: Osteoarthritis in Women: Why women are more at risk of osteoarthritis than men, learn from experts

Disclaimer: This information is based on the opinion of research studies and experts. Do not consider it an alternative to medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, consult your doctor or concerned specialist.

Check out Below Health Tools-
Calculate your body mass index (BMI)

Calculate the age through age calculator