Every day, 200 females lose their lives to cervical cancer. Without an iota of doubt, this is one of the most common types of cancer in females. January being the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Dr Monika Meena of Gynaecological Oncology & Robotic Surgery department of Apollo Multi-speciality Hospitals, Kolkata opened up about this form of cancer, its symptoms and its cure. Dr. Meena, a pioneer in robotic surgery, in an interview with The Telegraph online, pointed out that the main causative agent for cervical cancer is Human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is accountable for 90-95 percent cases of cervical cancer.

The other risk factors include: early age of sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, poor genital hygiene, poor socio-economic status, multiple childbirth, usage of oral contraceptive pills for a long time and smoking. Dr. Meena said, “Out of the 100 subtypes of HPV, certain high risk subtypes like are associated with cancer pathogenesis. Fortunately, this is the only type of cancer that is preventable if vaccines are provided to females of 9-25 years age group. This provides upto 99% protection rate from the high risk subtypes.”

The primary symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal uterine bleeding, bleeding after intercourse, intermenstrual bleeding, irregular bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge which can be watery or mucoid in consistency or foul smelling. “Pelvic pressure, pelvic discomfort during urination, or generalised pelvic pain can be symptoms of an advanced stage of cervical cancer”, added Dr. Meena. So, what are the preventative measures? She said that it can be picked up early by the screening modalities available. All females may opt to get routinely tested for PAP. This tells about precancerous lesions occurring in the cervix or the early stages of cervical cancers if they are setting in. If cervical cancer is detected at an early stage, then removal of the uterus and the cervix along with some lymph nodes in the form of radical surgery can be carried out, which is the complete treatment in many. In the advanced stages, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the available options.

To prevent this ailment, Dr. Meena emphasised on awareness and information regarding all signs and symptoms among young women. Early detection helps cure this disease, she said.

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.