Cervical cancer cases in India
Cervical Cancer on the Rise in India
As far as gynecological cancers are concerned, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women across the world. More than six lakh women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than three lakh fifty thousand die.
India records one in five cervical cancer cases. A study published in Lancet – a renowned medical journal, globally around 40% of deaths occur due to cervical cancer—23 percent of deaths are from India – whereas 17 percent from China. Cervical cancer causes higher rates of mortality in women.
What causes cervical cancer?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus. It is the major cause of cervical cancer in women across the globe. It spreads through unprotected sex, poor genital health, and involvement in sexual intercourse with multiple sex partners. The risk increases in women who are in relationships with multiple partners. Not all strains of HPV are cancerous. There are two very common types (HPV-16 and HPV-18 that cause cancer.
Does cervical cancer cause any symptoms?
Cervical cancer usually doesn’t cause any symptoms—especially during the early and middle stages. Symptoms usually manifest at an advanced stage. Furthermore, symptoms are often confusing. Many women relate cervical cancer symptoms to the symptoms of bacterial and yeast infections, urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Whether you are sure or unsure of your health or disease, you must pay attention to the following signs and symptoms:
- Pelvic pain or lower abdominal pain
- Pelvic pressure and uneasiness
- Painful urination
- More frequent urination
- Unpleasant vaginal discharge
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding occurs in between menstrual cycles or after menopause
Bottom Line
The number of cervical cancer cases is rising in India, but it remains the most preventable type of gynecological cancer in women. The reason, it can be detected quite easily during a routine gynecological examination and Pap smear tests. Pelvic sonography, HPV test, CT, and MRI scans help in the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. If you think you could be at risk owing to any of the risk factors that you know you are having, then meet a gynecologic oncologist for a comprehensive gynecological examination. If you have any other concerns then meet me personally.
