One woman dies of cervical cancer every eight minutes in India: When is the right time to consult an oncologist?

New Delhi: We have been talking about the COVID-19 pandemic since the outbreak in China in December 2019 and the havoc it has caused in the world we live in today. The ongoing debate about the new coronavirus is probably some degree of public awareness that we regularly wash and disinfect, wearing masks in public areas. This helps reduce the risk of getting infected and spreading the infection to others. A similar approach is needed for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that is primarily caused by various strains of the sexually transmitted disease human papillomavirus (HPV).

The serious effects of cervical cancer can be determined by World Health Organization (WHO) statistics. According to this statistic, new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every minute around the world. In India, data show that women die of the disease every eight minutes. In 2018 alone, nearly 100,000 new cases were diagnosed in India and 60,000 women died in India. Today, it causes the second highest cancer-related death in Indian women. The median age of onset of cervical cancer is 38, which is the most productive time for any woman, and the onset of cervical cancer can quickly upset her life.

So what is the best way to fight cervical cancer?

“The best way to overcome this disease is to better understand the causes and early symptoms, including the right time to visit an oncologist,” said BGS Gleneagles Global’s consultant and surgical oncologist, Breast and Gynecologic Oncology. Surgeon) Dr. Monika Pansari said. Bangalore hospital. Your doctor will also explain the causes, risk factors, and signs and symptoms that require your attention.

Causes of cervical cancer

Almost all cervical cancers (over 90%) are caused by HPV infection. Some of the other causes or risk factors for cervical cancer are:

• Early onset of sexual activity (under 18 years old)
• Multiple sexual partners
• Multiple pregnancies
• Poor genital hygiene
• Long-term (5 years or more) use of oral contraceptives
• Immunosuppression caused by diseases like AIDS
• smoking
• Lack of consciousness

Both of these can cause illnesses that cause cancer at the entrance to the woman’s uterus. The biggest challenge for cervical cancer is the absence of symptoms (asymptomatic), especially in the early stages.

Importance of regular screening for cervical cancer

Regular visits to oncologists for screening tests can detect these asymptomatic cases early and prevent 9 out of 10 cases of cervical cancer.

The Papanicolaou stain test is the recommended screening test for early detection of the disease, even before the woman develops symptoms. Papanicolaou stain test recommended:

• Once every three years for women aged 25-49
• Once every 5 years for women aged 50-64

“Recently, we also recommend the HPV test. When combined with the Papanicolaou stain test, the test frequency is once every five years,” said Dr. Pansari.

Cervical Cancer Warning Sign: When Should You See A Doctor?

Some of the symptoms that may appear should then be scheduled to see an oncologist immediately.

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (postmenopausal, menstrual, postcoital bleeding)
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Loss of bladder control
• Pelvic pain
• Discomfort when urinating
• Unexplained weight loss

“Women who witness these symptoms may choose to consider them benign and ignore them. Also, in India, there are many shy about the invasiveness of screening tests. These lead to delayed diagnosis and It poses many challenges, but people with the above symptoms need to visit an oncologist for screening, “added the doctor.

Regular screening and recognizing early signs and visiting oncologists in time can make all the difference between a healthy life and the stress of illness coupled with the fear of a pandemic. Still, the decision is up to you!

Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions contained in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or professional healthcare provider if you have specific questions about your health care needs.