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New Delhi, January 16, 2024 — Despite being both preventable and treatable, cases of cervical cancer are witnessing a significant rise in India, prompting medical professionals to emphasize the urgent need for increased awareness about vaccination and early screening.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals that India accounts for a staggering 21 percent of cervical cancer cases globally, with the disease responsible for almost 23 percent of deaths in the country. Cervical cancer is primarily driven by persistent infection with specific strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus transmitted through sexual activity.
Dr. Manish Machave, Consulting Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgeon at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, highlighted the preventable nature of cervical cancer, stating, “Despite being preventable through vaccination and treatable if detected early, cervical cancer continues to pose challenges, especially in developing countries.”
The study points to several factors contributing to the rising rates of cervical cancer in India, including a lack of awareness, incomplete vaccination, inadequate screening, cost and quality of treatment, and early marriage and multiple pregnancies.
Dr. Pritam Kataria, Consultant Medical Oncology at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “If we are able to vaccinate children between the age of 9 years to 22 years among females before the onset of sexual activity, we can prevent them from getting infected with HPV, thereby avoiding a significant portion of the population from developing cervical cancer.”
Early screening is also crucial in the fight against cervical cancer. Dr. Kataria explained that pap smear testing can help identify an HPV infection or changes in the mucosa of the cervix, aiding in early diagnosis. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
Medical professionals urged women to be vigilant about symptoms that could indicate cervical cancer, such as constant bleeding, spotting, pelvic pain, pain during urination, or blood in urine. Other warning signs include weight loss, fatigue, swelling in the legs, and difficulty controlling urine or bowel movements in advanced stages.
Despite its rarity, cervical cancer can metastasize to the spine, causing spinal epidural metastasis (SEM). Dr. Bibhudendu Mohapatra, Associate Director- Spine Services at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, cautioned about the potential impact on the nervous system, affecting movement and sensation.
To combat the surge in cervical cancer cases, medical experts recommended routine pap smear tests starting at age 21 and repeating them every few years. They also stressed the importance of initiating vaccination between 9 and 12 years, with catch-up vaccinations available until the age of 26. Increased awareness, timely screening, and vaccination are deemed critical in the battle against this preventable and treatable disease.
