Cervical cancer is cancer of the neck of the womb or the first part of the
uterus. It is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. In India it
is the second most common cancer especially in rural India. Every year,
about 1,24,000 women are being diagnosed with this cancer and half of them
die in less than a year.
This cancer kills one woman every 8 minutes.
Persistent genital infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) types 16 and
18 is the main causative factor, Dr. P Shilpa Chowdary
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
KIMS Saveera
Early Marriage, early childbirth, multiparity, multiple sexual
partners in both men and women, smoking and alcoholism are some factors
that predispose for this cancer. It mainly affects women in the age group
between 40 and 50 years.
Cervical cancer causes the following symptoms:
1. Irregular vaginal bleeding other than normal menses
2. Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
3. Vaginal bleeding after periods have stopped (menopause)
4. Vaginal discharge which is smelly and blood stained
5. Disturbances in passing urine and stool
Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer.
In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has given a global
action plan for elimination of this cancer. Under this, by the year 2030,
1. 90% of adolescent girls should be vaccinated against HPV virus by the
age of 15 years
2. 70% of women should have screening with a high precision test between 35
and 45years
3. 90% of women diagnosed with cervical precancer or cancer should receive
appropriate treatment.
To create public awareness, January is highlighted as “Cervical Cancer
Awareness month”.
The theme for this year is “Ending Cervical Cancer within a few
generations”.
1. Get Informed: It is important to know about prevention and early
detection of this cancer
2. Get screened: All sexually active women from the age of 30 should get
screened for HPV infection once in 5 to 10 years.
3. Get Vaccinated: All girls from the age of 9 to 26 should be advised to
have HPV vaccination
uterus. It is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. In India it
is the second most common cancer especially in rural India. Every year,
about 1,24,000 women are being diagnosed with this cancer and half of them
die in less than a year.
This cancer kills one woman every 8 minutes.
Persistent genital infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) types 16 and
18 is the main causative factor, Dr. P Shilpa Chowdary
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
KIMS Saveera
Early Marriage, early childbirth, multiparity, multiple sexual
partners in both men and women, smoking and alcoholism are some factors
that predispose for this cancer. It mainly affects women in the age group
between 40 and 50 years.
Cervical cancer causes the following symptoms:
1. Irregular vaginal bleeding other than normal menses
2. Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
3. Vaginal bleeding after periods have stopped (menopause)
4. Vaginal discharge which is smelly and blood stained
5. Disturbances in passing urine and stool
Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer.
In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has given a global
action plan for elimination of this cancer. Under this, by the year 2030,
1. 90% of adolescent girls should be vaccinated against HPV virus by the
age of 15 years
2. 70% of women should have screening with a high precision test between 35
and 45years
3. 90% of women diagnosed with cervical precancer or cancer should receive
appropriate treatment.
To create public awareness, January is highlighted as “Cervical Cancer
Awareness month”.
The theme for this year is “Ending Cervical Cancer within a few
generations”.
1. Get Informed: It is important to know about prevention and early
detection of this cancer
2. Get screened: All sexually active women from the age of 30 should get
screened for HPV infection once in 5 to 10 years.
3. Get Vaccinated: All girls from the age of 9 to 26 should be advised to
have HPV vaccination
