Many women die due to Cervical cancer, It is Preventable and Curable
New Delhi, Nov 16 (BVI) Cervical Cancer, which affects the reproductory parts of a woman, is the second leading cancer among Indian women, claiming one life every eight minutes.
This is the grim fact which is scary and worrying.
But there is a positive fact too. Cervical Cancer is totally preventable and curable, if detected early.
This cancer can be prevented through effective HPV vaccination and regular screening.
And, in case a woman is afflicted with this cancer, she can be cured if the disease is detected early.
These aspect need to be highlighted enough to create the maximum awareness so that precious lives can be saved.
UNICEF has taken up this onerous responsibility of creating awareness for which workshops are conducted for the media persons to sensitise them about the seriousness of the problem.
The subject is one of the Critical Appraisal Skills (CAS) initiatives of the UNICEF, which aims to equip journalists and youth communicators with tools to evaluate evidence, counter myths and tell stories rooted in science and emphathy.
One such workshop was held here recently for journalists regarding reporting on cervical cancer and road safety issues.
During the two-day workshp, thrust was laid on evidence-based reporting on such critical issues and usage of Media Rating Tools (MRTs).
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer in the lower end of the uterus, known as cervix, of a woman.
HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and about 99.7% of cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection of the genital tract by high-risk types of human papilloma virus.
Symptoms can include abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause), pelvic pain, and unusual vaginal discharge.
According to doctors, HPV infection affects at least 50 percent of sexually-active women. In some cases, it may remain subdued and cause no problem to the carrier. However, in some it may turn cancerous and lead to death, if not detected and cured at the early stage.
It is preventable through the HPV vaccine and detectable through screening tests like Pap smears, which find precancerous cell changes before they become invasive.
In 2022, India recorded an estimated 79,103 new cases and 34,805 deaths due to cervical cancer.
HPV vaccines exist and are licensed in India, and therefore the need to increase awareness and access.
Since it is a preventable form of cancer, lives can be saved with collective awareness and preventive action.
Early Detection Saves Lives: When detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. Preventive measures like awareness, HPV vaccination and regular health check-ups can save thousands of lives each year.
Stigma and Misinformation: Understanding how cervical cancer develops and spreads helps women make informed health choices. Talking about reproductive health promotes timely action.
Communities Play a Key Role: Parents, teachers, families and community leaders can make a lasting difference by spreading awareness, encouraging health-seeking behaviour, supporting girls’ well-being. (BVI)
