Cervical cancer cases are more common among women and are growing at an alarming rate in the country. However, experts say timely screening can help prevent cervical cancer because it can detect abnormal changes in the cervix, allowing women to receive timely treatment.
Every January is considered Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the situation and raise awareness of the need for regular screening tests.
Here’s everything you need to know.
“Cervical cancer starts in a woman’s cervix, the lower end of the uterus (the uterus). Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is the leading cause of this cancer,” says Sheetal Agarwal, Department of Gynecology, Apollo Spectrum Hospital, Delhi The doctor said. She shared that some common symptoms include pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal discharge after sex. Other risk factors for this cancer are having sex too early, which may increase a person’s chances of contracting HPV; smoking; or having chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and AIDS, age, a weakened immune system, multiple Partner and unmonitored contraceptive use. With cervical cancer awareness still lacking, women are afraid to speak out publicly. However, they should be encouraged to have regular screening every three years, starting at age 21-65,” Dr Agarwal said.
Pap test: Also called a Pap smear, this test is done to find early changes in cells that may become cancerous. Here, a sample of cells is taken from the cervix for examination. The Pap test is also combined with the HPV test.
HPV testing: A sample of cells is taken from the cervix to check for the strains of HPV most commonly associated with cervical cancer. The HPV test can be done alone or even combined with the Pap test. There are vaccines against cervical cancer, bivalent and quadrivalent, which can not only prevent cervical cancer, but also genital warts. It’s a six-month, three-dose course from ages 9 to 45″ You’ll need to discuss cervical cancer screening with your doctor and follow an appropriate schedule. Don’t neglect your health and don’t miss your Screening procedures because doing so can be fatal for you. Be vigilant about your health,” Dr Agarwal said.
Complete News Source : The IndianEXPRESS
