February 4th is recognized worldwide as World Cancer Day, with the goal of increasing public awareness of cancer and promoting its early detection, prevention, and treatment. Women of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic situations are susceptible to cervical cancer, which is a serious global health concern. In India, where the disease is still highly prevalent and has a high death rate, women can empower themselves to reduce their risk and spot potential issues early on by educating themselves and adopting preventative measures.
As of 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that cervical cancer will be the fourth most common cancer among women, accounting for 3,42,000 deaths and 6,04,000 new cases annually worldwide. That approximately one-fourth of all new cases of cervical cancer worldwide occur in India each year, with a nearly one-third fatality rate, is very concerning.
In 2020, low- and middle-income nations accounted for nearly 90% of newly reported cases and fatalities. In addition to routine screenings for the detection and treatment of precancerous lesions in women, high-income countries have awareness campaigns in place to assist girls (typically aged 9–14) in receiving the HPV vaccination.
The following risk factors were highlighted by Indus Health Plus’s Preventive Healthcare Specialist:
1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: Prolonged infection with high-risk HPV strains is the main cause of cervical cancer. Having multiple sexual partners and making early sexual debuts are two behaviors that can lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections like HPV.
2. Inadequate Screening: The low frequency of routine cervical cancer screening is primarily to blame for the high death rate. Regular screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, can spot abnormalities early and enable timely treatment.
3. Limited Vaccination Coverage: Although HPV vaccinations have been shown to prevent cervical cancer, vaccination rates in India are still below optimal levels. Greater access to immunisation programs and greater awareness of them can significantly reduce the incidence of the illness.
Here are some precautions you can take to reduce the chances of cervical cancer
1 Vaccination:
The HPV vaccination is one efficient way to prevent cervical cancer. Vaccination campaigns should target young girls before they have their first sexual experience for maximum effectiveness. Government initiatives and public awareness campaigns are crucial to raising the immunisation rate.
2 Regular Screening
Early detection depends on routine screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV tests. Medical authorities recommend that women who are older than 21 years old should undergo screening every 3 years. There should be a greater availability of screening services, especially in rural areas.
3 Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Promoting a healthy lifestyle can enhance overall wellbeing and reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Activities like regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking can improve the health of women.
4 Quit Smoking
Research has shown a link between smoking and a higher risk of cervical cancer. Hazardous chemicals found in tobacco can harm cervical cells and make people more vulnerable to HPV infection. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of cervical cancer and has several other health benefits.
5 Practice Safe Sexual Behavior
Use of contraceptives, for example, is recommended to reduce the risk of HPV transmission. Limit how many partners you have for sex because it increases your chance of being exposed to HPV. You should talk to your doctor about getting an HPV vaccination for additional protection. Coordinated efforts are required to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer among Indian women, as the disease may be prevented with early detection. We all need to be in favor of immunization, routine screenings, health education, and improved access to healthcare if we want to eradicate cervical cancer as a major threat to public health. Giving women the information and tools they need to take preventative action will be essential to achieving this goal.