Globally, one out of three cervical cancer patients are from India. The world’s largest democracy also sees the highest number of deaths due to cervical cancer — about 50 per cent of women who die due to cervical cancer, are from India.

This highlights a major issue, which is the lack of awareness about this disease. January being observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Suvadip Chakrabarti, Academic Head and Consultant Surgical Oncologist at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata opened up about the disease, its awareness, and the prognosis.

In an interview with The Telegraph Online, he opined that cervical cancer is a big burden for the health system in India. Dr Chakrabarti said, “India is the no. 1 country in the world when it comes to death due to cervical cancer. Three out of four patients who come for treatment are in the advanced stages of this disease. This is a prevalent scenario in India, Hence, the need to spread awareness about this disease arises.”

“Irregular menstrual bleeding, bleeding after intercourse, pain during intercourse, foul smell discharge are early signs of cervical cancer”, he said.

Dr. Chakrabarti pointed out that women in rural areas are mostly affected by this disease due to poor or lack of menstrual hygiene. This highlights the lack of menstrual hygiene awareness among women in rural areas.

He also mentioned that 75 per cent of the cases of cervical cancer are caused by two strains of Human papillomavirus (HPV). 80 per cent of people in the 15–50 years age group are infected with this virus.

How to avoid being infected, now one might ask. Dr. Chakrabarti advised a few simple steps that can save one. “Not having multiple partners, barrier method, vaccination at an appropriate time reduces the chances of not getting infected”, he says.

He also empasised the importance of vaccination and early detection. “Girls between 9-12 years of age must be administered with HPV vaccines. Also, early detection means proper treatment can be provided as per the strain of virus”, he said.

According to Dr. Chakrabarti, early detection of this disease followed by surgery and radiation therapy ensures a good outcome. “A Screening programme, which consists of a painless Pap smear test, is essential for women above 20+ years of age, every three years”, he added. Also, HPV tests show the early signs of the disease.

Concluding the interview, Dr. Chakrabarti underlined the importance of combating cervical cancer together. He said, “We must take a pledge to fight cervical cancer, opt for screening, and go for treatment if necessary. Let us all rise above cervical cancer.”

For any health related queries, contact Apollo:

Emergency No.: 1066

Helpline No.: 03344202122

Email ID: infokolkata@apollohospitals.com

This article has been produced on behalf of Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals by ABP Digital Brand Studio.