India Contributes One-Fifth of Global Cervical Cancer Burden
Cervical cancer is a major health issue in India, where it represents approximately 20% of the world’s cases. Despite improvements in healthcare, it remains the second most prevalent cancer among women in the country, with around 1,27,000 new cases and nearly 80,000 deaths each year. This high rate is often attributed to a lack of awareness, insufficient screening initiatives, and limited access to medical care.
Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman of Horizon Group of Hospitals, highlights that several factors elevate the risk of cervical cancer. The main cause is a persistent infection by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmitted infection linked to this type of cancer. To tackle this urgent public health issue, HPV vaccination has become an essential part of efforts aimed at preventing the disease and promoting overall health.
Other risk factors include starting sexual activity at a young age, having multiple sexual partners, smoking habits, weakened immune systems, and prolonged unsupervised use of birth control pills. Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO of Horizon Group of Hospitals Thane, emphasizes that protecting women is crucial because they are vital for future generations; without them, there can be no world.
Almost all cervical cancers stem from infections caused by specific strains of HPV. It usually takes between 15 to 20 years for cervical cancer to develop after infection. Fortunately, research shows that the HPV vaccine can significantly lower the number of cases.
Dr Ria Vaidya, the CEO of Horizon Group of Hospitals Thane, emphasized the importance of safeguarding women’s health, stating that women are vital to shaping future generations, and a world without them is unimaginable. She explained that nearly all cases of cervical cancer stem from infections caused by specific types of HPV, which can take 15 to 20 years to develop into cancer. The HPV vaccine has proven effective in greatly reducing these cases.
Additionally, Dr Vaidya mentioned the World Health Organization’s ambitious goals for 2030: they aim for 90% of girls to receive the HPV vaccine by age 15, for 70% of women to have cervical cancer screenings by ages 35 and 45, and for 90% of diagnosed women to receive treatment. Achieving these targets is crucial in the global fight against cervical cancer and underscores India’s commitment to promoting HPV vaccinations.
Dr Manali Shilotri, a leading gynaecologist at Horizon Prime Hospital in Thane, pointed out that sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant risk factor for both precancerous conditions and invasive cervical cancer. Globally, about 510,000 new cervical cancer cases are reported each year, resulting in approximately 288,000 deaths. Unlike many other cancers that may develop later in life, cervical cancer often affects women during their most productive years—typically peaking between ages 55 and 65 with an average onset around age 38. Alarmingly, more than 80% of sexually active women will contract genital HPV by age 50.
Dr. Shilotri also highlighted a critical issue: there are usually no symptoms associated with precancerous conditions related to cervical cancer. This makes regular screening essential for early detection when treatment is most effective.
Understanding HPV
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is an infection that spreads through sexual contact and is the main cause of nearly all cervical cancer cases, which ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women globally. The vaccination initiative began in 2008, initially targeting girls, but now it is available to all teenagers. There are over 100 different types of HPV. Many women will encounter HPV at some point in their lives without experiencing any health issues. Most of the time, there are no noticeable symptoms, and the body clears the infection naturally; however, persistent infections can sometimes lead to cervical problems. Certain HPV types are classified as high-risk due to their association with various cancers. Almost all cervical cancers (99.7%) stem from high-risk HPV infections. Additionally, several HPV strains can affect areas such as the mouth and throat.
Side Effects of the HPV Vaccine
The most frequently reported side effects of the HPV vaccine include mild to moderate pain (83%), swelling with redness (25%), and systemic reactions like fever (4%). Fortunately, no severe adverse events related to the vaccine have been observed. It is important to note that pregnant women should not receive this vaccine; while there’s no proven link to negative pregnancy outcomes, data on this topic remains limited. If a pregnant woman does receive the vaccine accidentally, it should be reported right away. However, breastfeeding mothers and women with weakened immune systems can get vaccinated; although their immune response might not be as strong.
Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer
Screening tests play a crucial role in identifying cervical cancer and precancerous cells that could potentially develop into cancer later on. It is recommended that individuals begin screening at age 21, with tests typically repeated every few years thereafter.
- Pap Test
One common screening method is the Pap test, which checks for cancerous cells in the cervix and identifies any cell changes that may increase cervical cancer risk.
- HPV DNA Test
The HPV DNA test checks cervical cells for infections caused by types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. It’s crucial to make these screening methods more available and encourage women aged 25 to 35, especially in rural areas, to have regular check-ups.
Treatment
If any precancerous changes are found during screening, it’s important to act quickly to stop them from developing into invasive cancer. Managing these conditions promptly is key to preventing cervical cancer. Treatment options may include:
- Cryotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Cone biopsy
These depend on how severe and where the abnormalities are located.
If there’s a possibility of cervical cancer, the first step usually involves a detailed examination of your cervix using a colposcope, which is a special magnifying tool that helps doctors look for signs of cancer. Should you be diagnosed with cervical cancer, additional tests will be necessary to determine how far the cancer has spread—this process is known as staging.
Staging tests help your healthcare team decide on the best treatment plan and may include:
– Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans that provide pictures of your body showing where the cancer is and its size.
– A visual examination of your bladder and rectum using special scopes to check for any signs of cancer there.
Cervical cancer stages range from 1 to 4; stage 1 means the cancer is confined only to the cervix while higher stages indicate more advanced disease. Stage 4 suggests that the cancer has spread beyond nearby organs or into other parts of the body.
Summary
The initiative by the Narendra Modi administration to promote cervical cancer vaccinations for girls aged 9 to 14 is a crucial step in protecting women’s health. To effectively tackle cervical cancer in India, we need a well-rounded strategy. This includes raising awareness, enhancing healthcare access, and incorporating HPV vaccinations into standard immunization schedules.
