'Treatable & preventable, yet cervical cancer rates soaring in India'

Cases of cervical cancer are significantly rising in India even though it is both preventable and treatable said doctors stressing the need to raise awareness on vaccination and early screeningIndia accounts for 1 in every 5 or 21 per cent cervical cancer cases according to a recent study published in the journal The Lancet Global HealthThe cancer also causes almost one in every four or 23 per cent deaths in the countryThe primary driver 95 per cent of cervical cancer is persistent infection with specific strains of human papillomavirus HPV HPV a prevalent virus transmitted through sexual activity is encountered by at least half of sexually active individuals at some point in their livesHowever only a small percentage will develop cervical cancer as a resultCervical cancer a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control primarily affects individuals with a cervix Despite being preventable through vaccination and treatable if detected early cervical cancer continues to pose challenges especially in developing countries Dr Manish Machave consulting obstetrician gynaecologist amp gynaecological endoscopic surgeon Ruby Hall Clinic PuneThe doctor pointed out lack of awareness incomplete vaccination inadequate screening cost and quality of treatment and early marriage and multiple pregnancies as some of the reasons for rising cervical cancer rates in India despite being treatable and preventable diseaseIf we are able to vaccinate the children between the age of 9 years to 22 years among the females all before attainment of sexual activity in that situation we can give this vaccination and prevent them getting infected with HPV and so we can avoid the major chunk of population from getting the cervical cancer added Dr Pritam Kataria consultant medical oncology Sir H N Reliance Foundation HospitalAlso early screenings help us to diagnose cervical cancer at an earlier age and help us to cure the cancer completely he saidDr Kataria explained that pap smear testing may help identify an HPV infection or changes in the mucosa or the lining of the cervix that can help diagnose cervical cancer very earlyExperts also advised women to not overlook constant bleeding spotting and pelvic pain that can lead to cervical cancerConstant bleeding spotting between periods or after menopause may indicate abnormal cell growth in the cervix heavier and longer menstrual bleeding than usual could be a symptom of cervical cancer watery foulsmelling vaginal discharge may suggest an advanced stage of cervical cancer pelvic pain or pain during intercourse may occur as the cancer progresses and affects nearby tissues could be some of the red flags Dr Machave saidOther signs to be on the lookout for cervical cancer include pain during urination or blood in urine weight loss without apparent reason fatigue swelling in legs back or leg pain difficulty in controlling urine or bowel movements in advanced stages the doctors saidCervical cancer can also spread to the spine and cause significant troubleDespite its prevalence cervical cancer rarely metastasises to the spine and when it does it manifests as spinal epidural metastasis SEM Dr Bibhudendu Mohapatra associate director Spine Services Indian Spinal Injuries Centre New Delhi told IANSThis occurrence is infrequent and typically associated with poorly differentiated carcinomas spreading primarily through the bloodstream If cervical cancer reaches the spine it may lead to spinal cord compression resulting in diverse nervous system symptoms affecting movement and sensation he saidThe doctors recommended routine pap smear tests starting at age 21 and repeating every few yearsThe suggested age to start the vaccination is between 9 and 12 years and individuals can receive catchup vaccinations until the age of 26This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever