Actress and model Poonam Pandey passed away on Friday (February 2), according to media reports, she was a victim of cervical cancer. The cases of cervical cancer and deaths due to it have been increasing rapidly in the last few decades across the world. In India, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer with a rate of 18.3% (123,907 cases). According to the report, it is also the second leading cause of death among women with a mortality rate of 9.1%.
Given the increasing risks of cervical cancer, in the interim budget 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced to increase in cervical cancer vaccination (HPV) in the country. Health experts say women need to take special precautions regarding the risks of cervical cancer. Let us understand this serious cancer in further detail.
Know about cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is considered a serious type of cancer occurring in the cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus, which connects to the vagina. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a common virus that can be spread from one person to another during sexual intercourse. At least half of sexually active people will get HPV infection at some point in their lives, although our body's immune system keeps this infection at bay.
Know about the symptoms of cervical cancer
Reports show that cervical cancer is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 35 to 44 years. However, this rate is declining due to screening and the HPV vaccine. All people are advised to pay serious attention to its symptoms.
Health experts say the symptoms of cervical cancer are not very obvious in the initial stages, which is why most women are not able to detect cancer till its serious stages. However, it is considered important for everyone to keep paying attention to some symptoms.
Abnormal bleeding after sex, in between periods.
Vaginal discharge that looks or smells different than normal.
Frequent pain in the pelvic area.
Frequent need to urinate and pain during urination.
If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor for an evaluation.
These people are more at risk of cervical cancer
Many types of risk factors can increase your risk of cervical cancer, which requires everyone to pay serious attention and prevention. HPV infection is the biggest risk for cervical cancer. Some other factors may also increase your risks.
Smoking-obesity
Family history of cervical cancer
low intake of fruits and vegetables
taking birth control pills
Getting pregnant under the age of 17.
Even if you have one or more of these factors, you are not guaranteed to get cervical cancer. For its screening, it becomes necessary to meet a doctor and seek advice.
HPV vaccination is a way of prevention
Health experts say HPV vaccination is considered the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer. In the Budget 2024-25, the Finance Minister has announced to increase the vaccination rate in the country, so that more and more people can be protected from this deadly type of cancer. Researchers said HPV vaccination may help reduce the increased risks of cervical cancer. Vaccines have been found to reduce HPV infections and cancers by more than 90%.
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