Why cervical cancer cases are rising with alarming numbers in India?

Model-actor Poonam Pandey died because of cervical cancer. The team of the 32-year-old social media star shared the news on her Instagram account. Reports say she died at her family home in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur. Public health experts express concern as cervical cancer cases in India continue to rise.

Projections indicate that the number of cancer cases in the country will increase from 14.6 lakh in 2022 to 15.7 lakh in 2025. Several interconnected factors, which present a complex landscape, demand attention and targeted interventions for this surge.

Projections indicate that cervical cancer cases in India will rise, underlining the need for attention and interventions. Lack of awareness, socioeconomic disparities, cultural norms, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure are factors that contribute to this surge.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is caused by the abnormal growth of cells that can invade or spread to other parts of the body.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that cervical cancer most often occurs in people over age 30. The CDC asserts that a long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) primarily causes cervical cancer. One person can transmit HPV, a common virus, to another during sex. CDC confirms that at least half of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives, though few will develop cervical cancer.

Early stages of cervical cancer often show no signs or symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during sexual intercourse.

If detected at an early stage, we can prevent and treat cervical cancer effectively. Regular screening tests such as Pap smear or HPV DNA test, and vaccination against HPV serve as effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. Treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Why cervical cancer cases are rising in India?

One of the primary reasons for this increase is the lack of awareness and education about cervical cancer and its preventive measures. Many regions in India lack knowledge about the human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer. This lack of awareness leads to delays in diagnosis and higher death rates.

Socioeconomic factors also play a significant role in the rise of cervical cancer. Women living in lower-income areas often find it difficult to access healthcare, particularly preventive treatments like routine screenings and HPV vaccinations. The issue is compounded by inadequate healthcare infrastructure and lack of funding in rural areas.

Cultural norms and societal attitudes towards women’s health further exacerbate the issue. Stigmas surrounding discussions related to reproductive health and a general hesitation to seek medical help for gynaecological issues contribute to delayed diagnoses. Additionally, early marriages and a high prevalence of multiple sexual partners, often rooted in social norms, increase the risk of HPV transmission.

Inadequate implementation of public health programs and policies also hampers efforts to curb cervical cancer. Even though screening facilities and immunizations are readily accessible, they restrict their reach and extensive awareness campaigns often fail.

What are risk factors of cervical cancer?

Symptoms of cervical cancer can include a variety of signs. One may experience vaginal bleeding that occurs after intercourse, between menstrual periods, or after menopause. The menstrual bleeding could be heavier and last longer than usual.

Another symptom could be a watery, bloody vaginal discharge that might be heavy and have a foul odor. Additionally, one might experience pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.

• Smoking tobacco
• Increasing number of sexual partners
• Having sex at an early age increases your risk of contracting HPV.
• Weak immune system
• Sexually transmitted infections like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS can increase the risk of HPV
• Miscarriage prevention medicine can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

How cervical cancer is treated?

Several factors, such as the stage of the cancer and various other factors, determine the treatment for cervical cancer. The treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Here are some common treatment methods:

• Surgery: In the early stages of cervical cancer, surgery can be an effective treatment.This could involve performing a simple hysterectomy, removing the cervix and uterus. In more advanced cases, they might perform a radical hysterectomy, removing the cervix, uterus, part of the vagina, and lymph nodes.
• Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-powered energy beams, like X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells. It’s often used in combination with other treatments.
• Chemotherapy: This involves using medications, usually injected into a vein, to kill cancer cells. It’s sometimes used in combination with radiation therapy.
• Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: These are newer areas of cancer treatment that work by targeting specific abnormalities in cancer cells or boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

How to prevent cervical cancer?

Several measures can prevent cervical cancer. The most effective measure is getting a vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer. Individuals aged 9 to 26 should ideally get the vaccine before they become sexually active. Regular screening tests, like the Pap smear or HPV DNA test, can detect and prevent pre-cancerous conditions from developing into cervical cancer.

• Get vaccinated against HPV.
• Regularly undergo Pap smear tests.
• Practice safe sex with barrier methods.
• Limit sexual partners to reduce exposure.
• Delay sexual activity to lower risk.
• Maintain good genital hygiene.
• Quit smoking to reduce vulnerability.
• Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Engage in regular exercise for overall health.
• Stay informed and educate others about preventive measures.
• Seek prompt medical attention for any unusual symptoms.
• Encourage HPV vaccination in adolescents.

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