In a significant development for women's health in India, medical experts are emphasizing that cervical cancer, a leading cause of mortality among women, is largely preventable through a combination of HPV vaccination and regular screening. This dual approach offers a powerful shield against a disease that affects thousands annually.
The Alarming Burden of Cervical Cancer in India
Cervical cancer stands as the second most common cancer affecting women across India, with nearly 1.3 lakh new diagnoses reported every single year. A concerning trend is that a majority of these cases are detected only at advanced stages, which significantly contributes to high death rates. The cancer originates in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and is most frequently reported in women aged between 35 and 60 years.
"The majority of cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection by high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV)," explains Dr. Shweta Tahlan, Senior Consultant in Gynae Onco-Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Mohali. "Importantly, a precancer stage usually precedes the invasive cancer stage, providing a critical window for intervention."
Primary Prevention: The Role of HPV Vaccination
HPV vaccination serves as the cornerstone of primary prevention against this deadly disease. Medical authorities confirm that timely vaccination can provide lifelong protection. The vaccine is widely recognized as safe, effective, and increasingly affordable, with recommendations from all major medical organizations.
The ideal age for vaccination is between 9 and 26 years, though it can also be administered to women up to 45 years of age. This broad eligibility is crucial for expanding coverage and building herd immunity.
Secondary Prevention: The Importance of Regular Screening
Screening tests offer vital secondary prevention by identifying abnormalities before they develop into cancer. "Screening is done by testing cervical smears for abnormal cells, known as a Pap smear or Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC), and by testing for the presence of HPV itself," details Dr. Tahlan. "The procedure is painless and conducted on an outpatient basis. It enables us to detect and treat women in the precancer stage, effectively stopping cancer before it forms."
Screening is recommended for all women over the age of 25 years, forming an essential part of routine healthcare.
Recognizing Symptoms and Treatment Pathways
Awareness of symptoms is key to seeking timely medical help. Symptoms of cervical cancer can include:
- Postcoital vaginal bleeding
- Persistent vaginal discharge that may be foul-smelling or blood-stained
- Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding
- Continuous or intermenstrual bleeding
- Lower abdomen pain or discomfort
- Urinary troubles
- Severe backache
Treatment outcomes are highly dependent on the stage at diagnosis. Women diagnosed in early stages can often be treated effectively with radical surgery. For those diagnosed at advanced stages, treatment typically involves a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
"Timely treatment from expert oncologists can provide good survival rates and an excellent quality of life," assures Dr. Tahlan.
Government Initiative: A Nationwide Vaccination Campaign
In a major public health move, the Government of India is set to introduce the HPV vaccine under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) specifically for adolescent girls. The initial rollout will target girls who have completed their 14th birthday but have not yet attained 15 years of age.
The vaccine to be administered is Gardasil-4, which protects against four major variants of the Human Papilloma Virus responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases in women.
Chandigarh's Proactive Three-Month Campaign
In Chandigarh, health authorities are preparing for an intensive three-month special vaccination campaign aimed at covering all eligible girls in the region. The Health Department has made a fervent appeal to all parents and guardians to extend their full cooperation. The goal is to ensure that every eligible girl receives the HPV vaccine at designated government health facilities once the campaign is officially launched in the city.
This concerted effort by the government, combined with increased public awareness about screening, represents a hopeful stride towards significantly reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in India.
