If you are immunised before puberty, cervical cancer is preventable and curable
The untimely demise of model and actress Poonam Pandey at 32, following a strenuous battle with cervical cancer, highlights the pressing issues of inadequate awareness surrounding this form of cancer, the crucial need for preventive measures, and the prevailing societal stigma. Despite these concerns, there exists a vaccine that, when administered to girls before puberty, has the potential to prevent its occurrence altogether.
According to Pandey’s manager, the actor received a diagnosis during the advanced stages of this formidable disease. Cervical cancer stands as the second most prevalent cancer among women in India. A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, published on February 1, reveals a concerning 17.7 percent increase in new cases of cervical cancer among Indian women.
What leads to cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer arises when abnormal cells proliferate and form clusters around the cervix, the lower and narrow end of the uterus connecting to the vagina. The primary cause is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), typically transmitted through sexual activity. While the body’s immune system can eliminate the virus, persistent infections with high-risk strains such as HPV 16 or HPV 18 significantly elevate the risk of cancer development. There are approximately 200 HPV viruses that sexually active individuals may encounter at some point in their lives. While not all infections progress to cancer, a vaccine is essential to eliminate any potential risk.
What are the indicators of cervical cancer?
During the initial stages, there are no apparent symptoms. However, in the advanced stages, patients may experience unusual vaginal bleeding, such as post-coital bleeding, bleeding between periods or after menopause, as well as watery or foul-smelling vaginal discharge and pelvic pain.
How is cervical cancer detected?
A Pap test is a crucial diagnostic tool for identifying cancer cells. It is recommended for every woman entering adulthood, starting from the age of 20, with screening intervals typically ranging from three to five years.
Preventing Cervical Cancer:
Cervical cancer can be prevented and treated through vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). India offers its own HPV vaccine, Cervavac, designed to combat four types of HPV infections. It is recommended for girls aged nine to 14.
The vaccine is currently available for purchase at a cost of Rs 2,000 per dose.
How does the vaccine function?
Quadrivalent vaccines act by blocking the entry of the four most prevalent HPV types—16, 18, 6, and 11. By doing so, they effectively prevent infections, genital warts, and, ultimately, the development of cancer. Universal immunization for girls is strongly recommended.
What is the current scientific evidence supporting the vaccine?
In over 100 countries with established HPV vaccination programs, there has been a notable reduction in cervical cancer cases. Evidence from the late 2000s indicated a decrease in the incidence of pre-cancerous lesions due to vaccination. Moreover, recent studies from Sweden and England in 2020 and 2021 revealed that vaccination during adolescence could reduce the risk of cervical cancer by more than 85 percent at the age of 30.
