About the Health Information

By definition, Cervical Cancer is a type of Cancer that affects the cells of the Cervix. The Cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the Vagina.

Most cases of Cervical Cancer occur when Human Papillomavirus, also called HPV, is transmitted as a Sexually Transmitted Disease. And unlike many other forms of Cancers, this can be prevented! In most cases, the body’s immune system will prevent the HPV from causing any harm, but in some cases, the virus survives and becomes cancer cells.

Cervical Cancer happens due to lack of sexual hygiene or unprotected sexual intercourse, and some of the symptoms include:

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause, between periods or intercourse
• Vaginal discharge with a foul smell
• Pain in Pelvis during intercourse

In India, Cervical Cancer takes 2nd place as the most common Cancer in women after Breast Cancer. Almost 97,000 women are affected by this Cancer annually and of which the death rate is about 62%, which is 60,000! This number is one of the highest in the world.

The main reason for this is that most women are unaware of the prevention methods and the vaccines available for Cancer! This is one of the few Cancers that can be prevented beforehand with vaccines.

Cervical Cancer is one of the very few Cancers that can be prevented with a few doses of vaccine, but as many in India are unaware, there is an alarming number of deaths due to the disease. Vaccines are available throughout India at all major hospitals, and the process differs with the patient’s age.

• If the age is 9 to 16: 2 Doses of HPV Vaccine
• If the age is 16 to 45: 3 Doses of HPV Vaccine

The earlier you take your vaccine, the higher are the chances of prevention. And other general advice to prevent Cervical Cancer is to quit smoking and practice safe and protected sex.

Apart from Vaccines, going for regular screening tests to reduce the risk of developing Cervical Cancer. Some of the tests that you can go for are:

• HPV Testing:
  It is a test that detects the presence of HPV in your body, but not if you have Cervical Cancer. There are a few different types of HPVs, and some of them will increase the risk of you being affected by Cervical Cancer. This test will help you identify the kind of HPVs in your body and give the doctor a better understanding of the medical treatment that has to be given to you.
• Pap Testing:
  Pap testing, also called the Pap Smear, helps give an overview of the condition of your Cervix so that it can be monitored in case there are any changes in it. It is advised to take the first Pap test at the age of 21 and then go for the check-ups and tests every few years.

In Chennai, MGM Healthcare is the flagbearer in terms of Cancer treatments as they have opened their new Oncology Centre to lead the fight against Cancer. Cervical Cancer can be treated. And to increase your chances of preventing Cancer, it is best to go for early screening and begin your treatment in case there is any. So get screened and vaccinated at MGM Healthcare and help us reduce this curable Cancer’s death rate!