Cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide, especially in the developing nations. In developed nations, the occurrence of this dangerous disease has decreased drastically, thanks to rigorous screening tests and timely follow-up action.
In India, on the other hand, cervical cancer is the cause of most cancer deaths. According to the Chennai Cancer Registry alone, the occurrence is 19.2 per lakh population.
Our country is in need of raising urgent and widespread awareness about cervical cancer, its screening and prevention. It is important to understand that cervical cancer is a preventable disease with regular screening and follow-up care. It can be cured completely, if found early and treated properly.
Cancer is an abnormal condition: cells in a specific part of the human body suddenly start growing, and get reproduced without any control. These highly harmful cells can attack and destroy healthy tissues including whole organs around the affected part.
The cervix is the mouth of the womb above the vagina and below the womb, as illustrated in the figure. Cervical cancer is the growth of highly harmful, abnormal cells on the mouth of the womb. If their uncontrollable growth is not detected early, and preventive measures are not taken promptly, it can lead to death.
A virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the cause in almost all cases of this disease. The virus spreads through sexual contact with a person who has it already. It can disappear on its own in healthy people. This infection can lead to less dangerous genital warts (skin growths on or around genitals or on anus). Unfortunately, in some other cases, it leads to cervical cancer.
It is therefore absolutely necessary for all women to undergo regular detection tests for this disease.
Screening is the process of examining people for the presence of a disease. There are two detection tests available for cervical cancer: the Pap test and the HPV DNA test.
The Pap test The Pap test (named after Papanicolaou, the doctor, who developed it) is an examination of sample cells taken from the cervix or vagina. It is done in order to examine whether the sample cells show any changes indicative of cancer or conditions that may lead to cancer.
The HPV DNA test The HPV DNA test or simply HPV test is used to check for high-risk HPV infection in women. HPV infection around the genitals is a common occurrence. It can spread during sex.
The Pap test checks your cervix for abnormal cells that could turn into cervical cancer. The HPV test checks your cervix for the virus (HPV) that can cause abnormal cells and cervical cancer. Screening should begin at least by 30 years, with a Pap test done every 3 years till 65 years of age. It can be combined with HPV DNA test every 5 years.
The following are the symptoms of cervical cancer:
Even these symptoms aren’t always noticeable. There may be no symptoms at all in some cases until the illness has reached an advanced stage. That’s why a periodical Pap test is necessary for all women.
There is no single way of preventing cervical cancer. However, the following measures can help reduce the risk of this illness:
Please consult your gynecologist to clarify all your doubts, and to get answers for all further questions. Even after vaccination (if that was your choice), make sure you continue the cervical screening through Pap/HPV DNA tests as per guidelines.
Article by Dr. Karpagambal Sairam, DGO., DNB., MRCOG.,Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
I CAN AND WE CAN PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER!
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
