Last Update: January 26, 2023, 10:14 IST
The World Health Organization (WHO) had said that India is soon going to get HPV vaccination to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
According to the World Health Organisation, around 90% of new cervical cancer cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countries
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers seen in women. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020. According to the World Health Organization, about 90% of new cervical cancer cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
If a recent Lancet study on cervical cancer is anything to go by, out of 40% of the total cervical cancer deaths, 23% occurred in India and 17% in China. Prevention of this deadly disease is of great importance in a developing country like India.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus and connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal).
Symptoms of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles and after intercourse, lower abdominal pain, and lower back pain. If you are aware of these symptoms and take a few precautions, you can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.
Nearly 8 out of 10 Indian women will be infected with HPV (Human Papillomavirus), the most common sexually transmitted infection and the virus that can cause cervical cancer at some point in their lives.
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The risk of developing cervical cancer can be reduced by choosing the vaccine that protects against HPV infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) had said that India is soon going to get HPV vaccination to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
Dr. Tejinder Kataria of Medanta – The Medicity in an interview with HT Lifestyle said, “All women should get the vaccine till the age of 26 or before having first sexual intercourse. Two or three vaccination schedules are recommended And cervical cancer is preventable in 99% of women who complete vaccination. There are many types of HPV, but the most common cancer-causing types are types 16 and 18,” said Dr. Tejinder Kataria.
India’s first indigenous cervical cancer vaccine is likely to cost around Rs 200-400, making it affordable for all.
In addition, HPV vaccination for all adolescents as part of their routine vaccines, which can be started as early as age 9, is another way cervical cancer risk can be reduced.
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