Cervical Cancer
- Develops in a woman’s cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina)
- The second most common cancer in India.
- 99% caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection – an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact· If infection persists, it can cause cervical cancer.
Dangerous Facts
- India has the highest incidence of cervical cancer in Asia
- It is the second most common cancer in India after breast cancer
- India recorded 1 in 5 cervical cancer cases·
- Out of that – 1 in 4 deaths due to cervical cancer in India
Risk factors
- Low age at marriage, early age at first intercourse,
- Multiple sexual partners
- Smoking
- Long-term use of birth control pills
- Multiple children (Multiple vaginal delivery)
Symptoms
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding after intercourse or after menopause
- Irregular heavy periods
- Watery vaginal discharge with strong odor or that contains blood.
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex
Diagnosis
Pap smear and HPV test every 3 to 5 years
Prevention
- HPV vaccine for children and adults (9 to 45 years)
- Best to give the vaccine before the start of sexual activity
- Use barrier method like condoms