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February 3, 2024
In a tragic turn of events, the entertainment industry mourns the loss of 32-year-old model-cum-actress Poonam Pandey, who succumbed to cervical cancer. As the news of her demise circulates, medical experts are emphasizing the critical need for cervical cancer vaccination among Indian women.
Cervical cancer stands as the second most common cancer affecting women in India, constituting approximately 18 percent of all cancers in this demographic. A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals that India accounts for a staggering 21 percent of cervical cancer cases globally, underlining the severity of the issue.
Moreover, cervical cancer is responsible for nearly 23 percent of deaths related to cancer in the country, shedding light on the urgent necessity for preventive measures and awareness.
Dr. Sunny Jain, Senior Consultant & Head of Oncology at Marengo Asia Hospitals in Faridabad, emphasized the importance of the cervical cancer vaccine in combating the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) -induced carcinoma cervix. Speaking to IANS on Friday, Dr. Jain expressed satisfaction that the government is taking proactive steps in cancer prevention by including cervical cancer vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years.
In her recent Interim Budget presentation, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government’s commitment to encouraging vaccination for girls in the specified age group, aiming to combat cervical cancer at its roots.
Cervical cancer is closely linked to the human papillomavirus, and vaccines play a pivotal role in its prevention. Health experts unanimously stress that a vaccine against cervical cancer is a crucial life-saving measure. By protecting women against HPV-induced carcinoma cervix, the vaccine can significantly reduce the incidence of this devastating disease.
The unfortunate demise of Poonam Pandey serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for widespread awareness and access to cervical cancer vaccination. The commitment from the government to prioritize preventive measures is a positive step forward, offering hope for a healthier future for Indian women. As the nation grieves the loss of a talented individual, efforts to combat cervical cancer take center stage in the fight against this pervasive health threat.
