Cervical cancer is a condition where there is an abnormal growth of the cells lining the cervix (the part that connects the uterus and the vagina) or the lower portion of the uterus.
The infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause (about 90%) of cervical cancer.
Every 2 minutes a woman is dying worldwide because of cervical cancer – a cancer which can be eliminated. In India, nearly 1 person dies of HPV related cancer every 5 minutes.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of cervical cancer in 2020 was estimated to be 6,04,000 new cases and 3,42,000 deaths, marking it as the fourth most prominent cancer in women. India accounts for nearly one-fourth of global cases of cervical cancer every year, with a mortality rate of nearly one-third.
WHAT IS HPV?
HPV is a common virus that can be passed from one person to
another during sex.
There are around 150 different types of HPV. At least 14 types of
HPV known as high-risk types can cause 6 types of cancer in men and women:
cancer of cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus and oropharynx.
HPV infects both men and women alike.
HPV is spread skin to skin primarily during sexual contact.
An estimated > 50% – 80% will get at least one type of HPV
infection in their lifetime.
HPV usually causes no symptoms and for most people, HPV will go
away on its own in about 2 years; however, if it does not, there is a chance
that over time it may cause cervical cancer.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR CERVICAL CANCER?
Persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV.
Having HIV.
Tobacco smoking.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER?
Early on, cervical cancer may not cause signs and symptoms.
Advanced cervical cancer may cause unusual bleeding between
periods, after menopause, or after sexual intercourse, increased or
foul-smelling vaginal discharge, symptoms like persistent pain in the back,
legs, or pelvis, weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite, vaginal discomfort,
swelling in the legs.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR CERVICAL CANCER TO DEVELOP?
Research has shown that HPV infected cells can develop into
cancerous tumor 10-20 years after infection or even longer too. Therefore,
regular screening and vaccination are important. The purpose of cervical cancer
screening is to detect these changes while they are still easily treatable.
WHAT CAN ONE DO TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CERVICAL CANCER?
Taking vaccination against HPV.
Screening, early diagnosis and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions.
Abstaining from smoking.
WHAT IS HPV VACCINE AND WHO CAN TAKE IT?
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often
cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
There are 6 HPV Vaccines available globally and all of them
protect against the high-risk HPV types 16 and 18.
BIVALENT (HPV 16,18)
QUADRIVALENT (HPV 16,18,6,11)
NANO VALENT (HPV 16,18,6,11,31,33,45,52,58)
Dosing schedule:
On Time: AGES 9-14 yrs: 2 doses (at 0, 6 month)
Late/ Extra dose: AGES: 15-26 yrs: 3 doses (at 0, 2 and 6 month)
Immunocompromised: ANY AGE: 3 doses (at 0, 2 and 6 month)
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. One should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if one has received an HPV vaccine.
WHAT SCREENING TESTS ARE AVAILABLE?
HPV test and the Pap test are screening tests that can help
identify pre-cancerous disease or cervical cancer early.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
WHAT ARE THE SCREENING OPTIONS AVAILABLE?
FOR WOMEN AGED 21 TO 30 YRS: Pap smears every 3 years.
AGE: 30 TO 65 YRS: There are 3 screening options.
HPV testing alone: To be repeated every 5 years.
HPV testing along with pap smear: To be repeated every 5 years.
Pap testing alone: To be repeated every 3 years.
AGE MORE THAN 65 YRS:
No need of screening if previous results are normal.
No need of screening if cervix along with uterus is removed for benign conditions.
World cervical cancer awareness month is a global healthcare event
observed for the entire month of January every year, its aim to raise awareness
of cervical cancer globally.
LEARN. PREVENT. SCREEN is the theme for the year 2024.
The theme emphasizes the necessity of educating people with
knowledge about minimizing cervical cancer risks and the life-saving importance
of regular screenings.
No comments:
Post a Comment