Even as the Government is yet to decide on the launch of a vaccine against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causing Cervical cancer, doctors from private and government hospitals have underscored the need for early introduction of the shot in the national vaccination campaign along with health education on menstrual hygiene and sexual health to combat the deadly disease.
According to the WHO, 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths from cervical cancer occurred in 2020, ranking it as the fourth most prevalent cancer in women. It is the second most common cancer among Indian females with 123,907 new cases and 77,348 deaths estimated in 2020.
Dr Pallavi Shukla, Associate Professor, Preventive Oncology, Dr BRA IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi told reporters here recently that three three-pronged strategy as per the WHO is the need of the hour for elimination of cervical cancer by the year 2030.
In the early adolescent period- vaccination against HPV along with health education on menstrual hygiene and sexual health is needed while in the reproductive period, there should be screening of sexually active females with any of the 3 screening/early detection tests like Pap test, HPV DNA test or Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA), she said.
Underscoring the gravity of the problem, The Fortis Hospital Greater Noida recently announced the launch of Comprehensive Oncology Services.
“Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer that occurs in women worldwide. As per global estimates, around 453 million Indian women aged 15 years and older are at risk of developing cancer,” said Dr. Jalaj Baxi, Senior Consultant, Oncologist Department.
Although the burden of cervical cancer is increasing largely in the country, deaths can be prevented if it is screened in the early stages, added Dr. Sarika Bansal, Consultant, Medical Oncology at the hospital.
“For a successful treatment, it is important for young women to stay cautious of any visible symptoms for early screening and any treatment required. If a girl as young as nine years of age is experiencing any smelly vaginal discharge, yellowish green in color, or blood-stained, then she should get consulted by a gynecologist immediately. If someone has spotting between their regular periods or has bleeding post-intercourse, they must see a doctor. All these are signs of vaginal infections, which, if left untreated, can progress to cancer.”
The doctors also said that the HPV vaccine has shown positive results in preventing cervical cancer. Females who are at least nine years of age and not more than 45 years old must get HPV vaccine shots as a prevention measure.
“A common screening test for cervical cancer is the pap smear, in which cervical cells from the patient are collected to check for changes that may turn into cervical cancer if left untreated," said Dr. Abhishek Srivastava, Associate Consultant, Medical Oncology at the hospital said while Pramit Mishra, Facility Director of the hospital echoed similar views saying that emphasis should be on early screening to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
