January marks cervical cancer awareness month, a prominent time to spread awareness regarding the most preventable cancers. Yet, thousands of women die because of cervical cancer every year. In India, cervical cancer is about 10% of all cancers in women and India is the second most common country for cervical cancer in women. Early detection through regular screening can significantly change the outcome and save lives. Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital emphasizes the importance of cervical cancer awareness encouraging screenings and staying informed.

Cervical Cancer: An Overview

Cervical cancer primarily develops when abnormal cell growth occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading virus that causes cervical cancer. Pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding are some of the symptoms of cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus(HPV) infections are common sexually transmitted infections that are resolved independently. Still, sometimes without treatment the abnormal cervical cells can develop into cancer and can lead to death.

In India, cervical cancer contributes to approximately 6-29% of all cancers in women. The disease can occur at any age but it affects mostly women below the age of 35 and can be caused by factors like smoking, age family history, and other sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, herpes, and gonorrhoea.

Why We Need Cervical Cancer Awareness Month?

Many women are unaware of this disease, its risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures like regular screenings and HPV vaccinations. So awareness becomes crucial in combating cervical cancer as stigma and misconception surrounding sexually transmitted diseases stop women from seeking medical care or attention. So these awareness initiatives play a crucial role in breaking the taboos and barriers, by providing education and dispelling myths.

Key Preventive Measures

Prevention and early detection of cervical cancer focus on two key measures first one is regular screenings for detecting any changes in the cells of the cervix and the other is HPV vaccination to protect the cells from high-risk virus strains. Making lifestyle changes can also prevent HPV infections.

Importance of Regular Screenings

Regular cervical screening tests such as Pap smears and HPV tests are essential to detect the development of abnormal cells in the cervix that can grow and become cancerous. Early detection significantly changes the outcomes and reduces mortality rates. Regular screenings help in identifying all the types of high-risk HPV that can cause cervical cancer.

These tests help healthcare providers assess any changes in the cervix. Women aged 21-65 are encouraged to undergo these tests regularly to detect the abnormalities in the cells before they develop into cancer.

HPV vaccination: A Preventive Tool

HPV vaccination is a powerful tool to combat cervical cancer. It significantly protects against the strains of high-risk human papillomavirus that cause most of the cervical cancer. HPV vaccines are recommended for both preteen boys and girls before they can become sexually active. HPV vaccines can be administered as early as the age of 9 and up to age 26.

Experts encourage parents to ensure that their children get vaccinated with the HPV vaccine to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. The vaccine also has fewer side effects, making it a safer treatment option to fight against cervical cancer.

Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking severely affects the immune system, making it weaker and it also damages the cervical cells that can develop into cancer.
• Practice Safe Sex: Maintaining safety during and after sex can lower the risks of HPV transmission.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease when detected early. For early detection, spreading awareness regarding regular screening is essential. Awareness initiatives play crucial roles in ensuring that every woman gets access to life-saving preventive measures and treatments. Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital is dedicated to promoting cervical cancer awareness and empowering women to prioritize their health through regular screenings and HPV vaccination.

Disclaimer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. Any such discrepancies should be brought to the blogger's notice for correction.