India, in its interim budget for 2024, has planned to administer the Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) to girl children from age 9 to age 14 to prevent the onset of cervical cancer disease in them. The Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, in dialogue with Mr. Bill Gates, a billionaire and philanthropist, spoke on the roadmap for the prevention and eradication of cervical cancer in India. He mentions the need to provide a vaccine to all Indian women at the minimum cost, and for this, he focuses on rolling out funds for research in the development of a vaccine against it.

The lack of access to HPV vaccination for cervical cancer owing to economic inequalities in the countries has taken away the lives of innocent girls and women. In 2020, cervical cancer claimed the lives of 3,42,000 people.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the cervix part of a woman's reproductive system. It is the fourth most common cancer in women across the globe. Uncontrollable growth of cells in the cervix area because of the human papillomavirus leads to cervical cancer.

How does the human papillomavirus enter the cervix?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the human papillomavirus is sexually transmitted. The link between cervical cancer and sexual behaviour had been under suspicion for over a century before epidemiological studies in the 1960s finally confirmed it.

By the early 1980s, it was discovered that cancer cells harboured HPV DNA. Humans are the natural reservoir for this virus. The virus enters the body during vaginal, penile, anal, or oral sex.

Though HPV infection is cleared by the body's immune system, persistent infection with high-risk HPV will lead to the growth of abnormal cells in the cervix region in females, which might go on to become cancer.

Cervical Cancer is Curable

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Cervical Cancer is Curable

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Symptoms of cervical cancer

 Bleeding that occurs unexpectedly between menstrual cycles after menopause or post-sexual intercourse is considered unusual.

  1. Vaginal discharge that has a heightened or unpleasant odour is indicative of a potential issue.
  2. Persistent discomfort experienced in the back, legs, or pelvis can signify an underlying problem.
  3. Loss of weight, fatigue, and a decreased desire to eat may indicate a health concern.
  4. Any discomfort felt in the vaginal area should be addressed promptly.
  5. Swelling observed in the legs could indicate an underlying medical condition.

How do you prevent cervical cancer?

Continual infection of HPV in the cervix area, if left untreated, causes 95% of cervical cancers, according to the WHO. Vaccination helps prevent HPV infection, offering protection to both the vaccinated individual and their future sexual partners by hindering the spread of HPV.

While the consistent and correct use of physical barriers like condoms can reduce HPV transmission, it cannot eliminate it. Cervical cancer screening is useful for finding out HPV infection in the cervix.

 The Pap test identifies precancerous alterations in cervical cells. As it takes 15-20 years for abnormal cells in the cervix to develop into cancer, except for people with a weak immune system like HIV patients, who can develop cancer within 5–10 years after infection, the Pap test helps in detecting the stage of cancer. It helps in the effective treatment of precancerous cells.

Treatment of pre-cancerous cells

The treatment procedure begins with a colposcopy or visual inspection of the cervix to locate and assess the lesion. Subsequently, the following interventions may be employed:

  • Thermal ablation: employing a heated probe to eradicate affected cells.
  • Cryotherapy: using a cold probe to freeze and eliminate abnormal cells.
  • LEETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone): excising abnormal tissues using an electrically heated loop.
  • Cone biopsy: removing a cone-shaped wedge of tissue with a surgical knife.

Our elders say, "Prevention is better than cure," and HPV and cervical cancer elimination is in our hands. Let us openly speak, vaccinate, treat, and eradicate it.