Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women. It is a cancer of the cervix or lower part of the uterus. Statistics say that overall 5 lakhs women approximately die because of cervical cancer worldwide every year.
Common causative agents
- HPV Infection
- Multiple sexual partners
- Multiple child births
- Poor Personal Hygiene
Patient mostly present with abnormal bleeding from vagina , post menopausal bleeding or white discharge , post coital pain or bleeding . Rarely backache, lower limb swelling or leg pain can also be a presentation of in advanced stage cases.
Diagnosis is done by Pap smears, Biopsy and Imaging stud. Screening method available are pap smear test yearly after 20 year of age.
Available treatment technique:
- Radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy
HPV (Human papillomavirus vaccines) vaccine is a latest development to prevent the occurrence of this cancer , this vaccine is available in bivalent, tetravalent and nanovalent form which can be availed at nearby health care centre .The right age for this vaccine is 9- 14 year of age or female who are not married (before first sexual intercourse)If due to any reason vaccine has not been taken in this age group then it can be taken till the age of 44 years but dose and duration changes in that scenario.The HPV vaccine isn’t recommended for pregnant women or people who are facing other illness.
Major Benefits of HPV :
Reduces your risk of getting HPV infection
HPV vaccine is very effective to make the decline of cervical cancer
HPV vaccine is a Low cost method for prevention.
Cancer is a curable condition. Need of the hour is early diagnosis, immediate and complete treatments with disciplined follow-ups.