HPV vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer

Women usually ignore their health issues due to their busy schedule but sometimes this ignorance creates big problems for their health. One of the most common health problem in women is cervical cancer. It occurs most commonly in women above the age of 30 years. Mostly the disease gets diagnosed at a very late stage because of a lack of awareness especially amongst the rural population. In India Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in females. The main cause of cervical cancer is a long-lasting infection of certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Dr Aparna Sharma Sr. Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Alchemist Hospital said that cervical cancer is the biggest cause of death in women. Risk increases with age. Screening of cancer of the cervix is done by a cervical pap smear. Colposcopy and biopsy help in diagnosis. If diagnosed early, the patient has a good survival rate.

Dr. Ibha Sr. Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Alchemist Hospital said that cervical cancer is one of cancer that is preventable. Dr. Ibha said that there are four preventable measures for cervical cancer i.e screening, vaccination, avoid smoking and safe sex. Regular screening helps to find abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix at the earliest stage. Screening includes the PAP test and the HPV test.

She added that screening is not 100% accurate, so women should report symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge and pelvic pain. The second preventive measure is vaccination. HPV vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination protects against HPV Type 16 and 18, the two Types that causes more than 80% of cervical carcinoma cases. She said that two doses of HPV vaccines should be given to all girls at the age of 11 to 12years, over six months. It can be given as early as 9 years of age. If the girl age is 15 and above than three doses should be given. Women can still get the vaccine until they are 45 years. She emphasized that it is important to attend or get your cervical screening test even if you have been vaccinated for HPV.

Dr Kanwarneet Singh Consultant Surgical Oncology told that Carcinoma cervix is the second most common cancer in women in India. Women in India present in late stages due to sense of shame and taboo attached with these cancers, which makes treatment difficult. Cervical cancer is one of the preventable cancer. Prevention can be vaccination of young females against HPV, screening and treatment of precancerous lesions and education about sexual health.

Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the neck of the womb (the cervix).

Cervical cancer is when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow in an uncontrolled way and eventually form a growth (tumour). Cervical cancer usually affects women between 30 and 50, but younger women are also at risk.