Cervical cancer Common in women, but did you know that this cancer can be detected and treated in time? healthcare? It is important to be aware of the investigations being carried out to address this cancer and not to forget about immediate treatment.
According to a study published in the journal The Lancet Global Health, 1 in 5 people, or 21%, of cervical cancer cases are reported in India. It also notes that of the deaths that occur from this type of cancer, 23% of which are almost one in four deaths occur in India.
The study is based on the 2020 global database of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), according to which there are more than 6,000 cases of cervical cancer. new uterus and more than 3.4 thousand deaths worldwide by 2020. Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Sunita Dube, Radiologist and Founder of MedscapeIndia, Aryan Hospital, explains: “Many strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), a disease that is transmitted through Sexually transmitted diseases can lead to cervical cancer. Moreover, cervical cancer is a serious health problem in India that is encountered by the majority of women. Currently, cervical cancer cases are increasing at a dizzying rate in our country. It is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Likewise, poor genital hygiene, early sex for the first time, family history, multiple sex partners, and unprotected sex are also culprits for this cancer. The two types of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Moreover, we tell you about the symptoms.
Talking about the symptoms of cervical cancer, Dr. Sunita Dube said: “Usually, this cancer has no early symptoms. People with this type of cancer will show symptoms mainly in stage 2 such as spotting or light bleeding between or after periods or spotting after menopause, unexplained bleeding will be shocked to know menstrual blood discharge more than usual, pain during intercourse. , pain in the pelvic area, blood in the urine, and trouble urinating or defecating. One should talk to a doctor after discovering these symptoms.”
Highlighting risk factors, she said, “Having multiple sex partners, early sex, a weak immune system, and smoking can cause cervical cancer.” As for the diagnosis, the medical expert revealed: “Your doctor will screen you for cervical cancer during your routine gynecological exam by doing a cervical smear and testing for human papillomavirus. (HPV). A Pap test can help identify abnormal cells in the cervix, along with cancer cells and cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer. An HPV DNA test also means that cells are collected from the cervix to detect infection with any virus that can lead to cervical cancer.”
She adds: “To check the stage of this cancer, your doctor will recommend X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. other parts of the body or not. A blood marker C125 blood test is done for this cancer. Not only that, the doctor will visually examine the bladder and rectum to confirm this cancer biopsy diagnosis, Pelvic ultrasound is another option for diagnosing cervical cancer. Colposcopy can be done in which a colposcope (which is a magnifying instrument with a light) helps to look at the vulva, vagina, and cervix. LBC for HPV testing and colposcopy can also help detect cervical cancer.”
Suggesting some prevention tips, she emphasizes: “It is essential to only follow your doctor’s instructions after a diagnosis of cervical cancer. Your doctor will determine the right treatment for you based on your symptoms and stage. You’ll have to quit smoking to reduce your risk of cervical cancer, get regular Pap tests, make lifestyle changes that include diet and exercise, and ask an expert about the HPV vaccine to prevent it. cervical cancer prevention.”
