Till recently, not many people were aware that cervical cancer kills 74,118 Indian women every year. A recent study found that from about a quarter of the five lakh cases globally, about 1.3 lakh new cases of cervical cancer are reported every year in India. Another study, conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals that every year 74,118 women die due to the disease, while 1,32,082 women are diagnosed with this particular kind of cancer. Compared to the rest of the world, the growing risk of cervical cancer in women (aged 0-64 years) in India is 2.4 per cent. For women in other countries, this risk is about 1.3 per cent.

“The most important cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. It is caused due to sexual activities with multiple partners and unprotected sex. Sex workers and women from younger age groups are prone to this cancer. Mostly, this cancer is observed in the lower socio-economic strata. Men may carry the virus and pass it on. The most prominent symptoms are bleeding in between menstrual cycles, bleeding post sexual activity, foul-smelling vaginal discharge,” informs Dr Shona Nag, oncologist with the Jehangir and Sahyadri Hospitals.

Cervical cancer is completely preventable, as it goes through several stages before developing into a malignant cancer. “It takes almost 10 years to reach the last stage. The most simple diagnosis for it is a cone biopsy. This can be done in a single day and is affordable, as it is priced between Rs 5000–10,000,” adds Dr Nag.

One of the most common cancers in the country, awareness levels about the disease leave much to be desired. That is why, a concerted media campaign, featuring celebrities, has been launched recently. “In Pune, 35 women per 100,000 suffer from cervical cancer. In rural areas, the figure is much higher. The campaign is very timely and a welcome step. However, more information should be made available to the rural population. Some NGOs such as the Prashanti Cancer Care Mission, V Care and Samavedana provide aid to people from the lower economic strata for treatment of the disease,” informs Dr Nag.

“Under the Jeevandayi Scheme of the state government, upto Rs 1.5 lakh are given to each individual for treatment of cervical cancer. The patient can avail treatment by producing their ration card,” she adds.

Symptoms
Pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, bleeding between periods, post-menstrual bleeding, vaginal discharge

Causes
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infection. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, very common and may only be detected years later

Risk factors
Having sex at an early age; with multiple sexual partners; Several pregnancies; Using birth control pills for five or more years; Consuming tobacco in any form

Prevention
Cervical cancer vaccine. Recommended for girls aged 11-12, it helps activate a girl’s immune system before she’s likely to encounter HPV