By M H Ahssan
A WHO report on cervical cancer and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) revealed that over 1.3 lakh cases of cervical cancer are reported in India every year, with nearly 75,000 deaths.
Reality TV star Jade Goody’s death due to cervical cancer has probably done more to bring to light the disease than the efforts by government agencies. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer that afflicts women, and causes more deaths than even breast cancer.
Goody got the news of her diagnosis in the land that accounts for 27 percent of new cervical cancer cases in the world, and more than 27 percent of cervical cancer-related deaths. Dr Sheela Mane, a gynaecologist and Chairperson of the Safe Motherhood Committee, Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society of India, says “Many young urban women come to my clinic for screening for cervical cancer after watching Jade’s diagnosis on Big Boss last August. She has generated more awareness than a lot of awareness drives.”
A WHO report on cervical cancer and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) revealed that over 1.3 lakh cases of cervical cancer are reported in India every year, with nearly 75,000 deaths. The report also divulged shocking statistics; more than 200 women die everyday in this country, and eight women die due to cervical cancer every minute.
The statistics are even more shocking in light of the fact that a new vaccine for HPV, the virus that causes the cancer, is available and 99.7 per cent effective in its prevention. The WHO says that vaccination is the most effective method of preventing the disease and can be administered after a girl attains puberty. The vaccine consists of three doses and costs about Rs 3,000 for each dose. Besides HPV, the vaccine also protects against genital warts and pre-cancerous lesions.
No govt programmes
Dr Kumar, a paediatrician says, “The Indian Academy of Paediatrics had suggested that the vaccine be included in the Government’s immunisation schedule. But it has not yet been done.” Despite its wide prevalence, cervical cancer is not part of the National Health Programme.
In the absence of a Governmental programme, the onus is on individuals to get themselves screened at regular intervals and take precautions. The vaccine is a bit expensive, but there are other precautions for those who can’t afford it. “Cervical cancer occurs only among women who have had intercourse, and they should get pap smears done regularly to detect HPV,” Dr Sheela suggests.
A UN report in 2005 stated that the occurrence of cervical cancer is increasing at a rate between 20 and 40 percent, and doctors warn that sexual practices have contributed a great deal to the increase. Sheela says, “Promiscuity, sex with multiple partners, poor hygiene and nutrition have all contributed to the increase. So much that in places like Australia and New Zealand, even young boys who have attained puberty are being administered the HPV vaccine.”
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