Tushar Did you hear about Poonam Pandey supposedly passing away from cervical cancer? It turns out, she’s actually alive! She posted a reel on Instagram, clearing up the confusion and mentioning she did it to raise awareness about cervical cancer. Apparently, a lot of women suffer from it, and she wanted to shed light on the issue.
But now, some people are trolling her for this PR stunt, saying there are better ways to spread awareness. Anyway, let’s focus on the real issue here – cervical cancer. Do you know what it is and how to prevent and diagnose it?
What is Cervical Cancer:
Cervical cancer originates in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. Preceding cancer development, cells undergo dysplasia, exhibiting abnormal growth. Typically caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), persistent infections with high-risk strains like HPV 16 and 18 elevate cervical cancer risks. HPV, a group of 200 viruses, affects nearly all sexually active individuals, with some infections persisting and leading to cancer.
Symptoms and Detection:
Cervical cancer may lack early-stage symptoms, but as abnormal cells spread, signs such as irregular vaginal bleeding, post-coital bleeding, unusual discharge, and pelvic pain emerge. Diagnosis involves pap tests detecting cancer cells or abnormal cells prone to becoming cancerous. Screening typically starts at 21 to 29 years, with intervals based on results.
Prevention and Vaccination:
Preventing and curing cervical cancer is feasible, especially when detected early. Vaccination against HPV, such as Cervavac and Gardasil-9, is crucial for prevention. Cervavac, launched in January 2023 by the Serum Institute of India, targets four HPV types and costs Rs 2,000 per dose. Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 against cervical cancer during the Budget 2024-25 speech.
Treatment Approaches:
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outline various cervical cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Minister Sitharaman’s budget announcement reflects the government’s encouragement of cervical cancer vaccination for young girls.
Last words from ketsha
Poonam Pandey’s tragic demise highlights the importance of understanding, preventing, and treating cervical cancer. Increased awareness, early detection, and vaccination play pivotal roles in combating this disease.
