By Our Staff Reporter
DEHRADUN, 3, Feb: Obstetrician and Gynecologist Sujata Sanjay of Sanjay Orthopedic, Spine and Maternity Centre in Dehradun, delivered a public awareness lecture on cervical cancer through a Webinar in honour of World Cancer Day. The lecture aimed to educate women and adolescent girls about the effects and symptoms of cervical cancer. The doctor explained that cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in any part of the body and that prolonged swelling, wounds, and tumors can lead to cancer.
In India, cervical cancer affects a significant number of women, with more than 3.4 lakh (340,000) cases reported by 2023. It is estimated that 9 -27 per cent of Indian women suffer from cervical cancer each year, and the majority of cases occur in women between the ages of 15 and 44. The tragic aspect of this disease is that cervical cancer primarily affects young women, including those with growing children, whose lives are greatly impacted upon diagnosis. However, cervical cancer is completely preventable, and awareness is the key to protecting oneself from it.
Cervical cancer is caused by a viral infection, specifically the human papillomavirus (HPV). Sujata Sanjay noted that the incidence of cervical cancer is higher in rural areas compared to cities. Factors such as poor local hygiene, multiple pregnancies or sex partners, lack of contraceptive use, low nutrition levels, and early marriage contribute to the risk of developing cervical cancer.
The symptoms to watch out for include post-coital bleeding, continuous and smelly vaginal discharge, bleeding between menstrual cycles, irregular periods, back pain, bone pain or fractures, fatigue, loss of appetite, a single swollen leg, and pelvic pain. Detecting cervical cancer in its early stages is crucial since symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed. Regular check-ups with a gynecologist, including PAP smear tests, are recommended, especially for women in the reproductive age group.
Herpes is a cause for cervical cancer. Then again, bad local hygiene, too many children, not enough spacing between children, low nutrition levels and early marriage all contribute to the risk factors for this kind of cancer,” said Dr. Sujata.
Dr Sujata added that because the awareness level in cities is considered to be higher than in smaller towns and villages, and people there have better access to resources, the number in metros is seen to be less. “However, some women – no matter where they are – are more vulnerable than others. The high risk group includes girls who have had premature sex as teenagers, those who have had multiple pregnancies or multiple sex partners and don’t use contraceptives,” she affirmed.
Menopausal women are also not immune to cervical cancer, so regular check-ups are advised. Vaccination against HPV at an early age, ideally around 12 years old before any sexual contact, is the best way to prevent the disease. Vaccines are available for cervical cancer, and there is hope for its prevention and management. Not all types of HPV are carcinogenic, and HPV types 16 and 18 contribute to 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases. With a vaccine available for cervical cancer, there is further hope.”There are two vaccines available and two more viruses common for warts. It’s important that a girl should ideally be vaccinated young, at the age of 12 or so, before she has any sexual contact,” Sujata said. C
The doctor stated that cancer cure and survival rates are generally better in women compared to men. With increased awareness, regular screenings, vaccination, and advancements in treatment, the fear associated with cancer can be diminished. Slowly, we can score over cancer and there is nothing to be dreaded about the C-word anymore,” she added.
Sujata Sanjay is a 100 Women Achievers of India awardee. More than 80 women and adolescent girls participated in the Webinar.
