In a tragic turn of events, the demise of actor-model Poonam Pandey due to cervical cancer, just a day after the government’s push in its Budget to vaccinate girls in the 9-14 age group, has cast a somber light on this silent and deadly disease that claims many lives.
The Silent Battle: Cervical Cancer and the Struggle for Early Detection
Poonam Pandey, renowned for her role in the 2013 movie ‘Nasha,’ faced a late-stage diagnosis of cervical cancer, as disclosed by her manager. The challenging aspect of early detection stands as a critical contributor to the alarming death rates associated with this disease in India.
“Cervical cancer often eludes detection in its initial stages, leading to delayed diagnoses and unfavorable outcomes, rendering it particularly lethal,” Dr. Raj Vardhan, OSD Chairman at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, emphasized to IndiaToday.in.
Understanding Cervical Cancer and HPV: A Closer Look
In simple terms, cervical cancer, primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse, targets the cells lining the cervix—the lower part of the uterus connected to the vagina.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) emerges as the primary culprit behind cervical cancer. This virus, easily transmitted during sexual activity, often exhibits no symptoms. Detecting the infection becomes challenging as symptoms may take years to manifest after exposure to an individual carrying an HPV infection.
The Alarming Cervical Cancer Scenario in India
Following breast cancer, cervical cancer stands as the second-most prevalent malignancy among Indian women, impacting those in their middle-aged years. In 2022, India witnessed 1,23,907 cervical cancer cases, resulting in 77,348 deaths.
To put this in perspective, one in every five cervical cancer cases worldwide was reported in India. The nation holds the highest burden of cervical cancer in Asia, with China following closely behind, according to a Lancet study. Shockingly, India contributed to 21% of the global cervical cancer cases reported in 2022.
The Puzzling Challenge of Cervical Cancer Detection
Dr. Vandana Jain, Head of Gynaecology, Surgical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), shed light on the challenging 10–15 year span between HPV infection and cancer development.
“While 80-90% of sexually active women may carry the HPV virus, the immune system typically clears it within two to three years. However, persistent infections, particularly with high-risk strains like HPV 16 and 18, can escalate into cervical cancer,” explained Dr. Jain.
Experts point out that cultural stigma remains attached to cervical cancer in India, resulting in many women avoiding screenings. In rural areas with limited access to screening and treatment, the burden of cervical cancer is exacerbated by inadequate healthcare infrastructure, cultural taboos, and a lack of awareness.
Addressing the Imperative: HPV Vaccination Coverage and Public Awareness
Despite welcoming the government’s initiative to offer free vaccinations for girls aged nine to 14, experts stress the need for enhanced screening accessibility and public awareness about the disease.
“Although vaccination doesn’t guarantee complete protection, it plays a vital role in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the country,” stated Dr. Jain.
Dr. Ishwar Gilada, an infectious disease specialist and president of the AIDS Society of India, highlighted the poor coverage of HPV vaccination in India.
“Merely 1% of the eligible female population receives vaccination, primarily due to the dominance of imported HPV vaccines and the monopoly of certain pharmaceutical giants,” Dr. Gilada expressed.
Disclaimer : इस न्यूज़ पोर्टल को बेहतर बनाने में सहायता करें और किसी खबर या अंश मे कोई गलती हो या सूचना / तथ्य में कोई कमी हो अथवा कोई कॉपीराइट आपत्ति हो तो वह [email protected] पर सूचित करें। साथ ही साथ पूरी जानकारी तथ्य के साथ दें। जिससे आलेख को सही किया जा सके या हटाया जा सके ।
