The World Health Organization (WHO) had said that India is soon going to get HPV vaccination to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. (Image: shutterstock)
Preventive screening and early detection are key in the fight against cervical cancer
In recent years, the media has focused on cervical cancer. From health experts discussing the importance of vaccination to influencers encouraging their followers to get regular screenings, cervical cancer awareness has become more prominent around the world.
“Cervical cancer is caused by HPV, or human papillomavirus strains, specifically types 16 and 18, and is spread primarily through sexual contact. HPV infects the cervix — the lower part of the uterus — with abnormal cells. leading to growths that may eventually become cancer. It is important to note that not everyone who is exposed to the virus will develop cancer. However, it develops in a gradual manner and can be detected by a Pap smear test. may not display any obvious symptoms,” says Dr. Murugan Nandagopal, Senior Scientist and General Manager, Lifecell International Pvt. Ltd.
According to GLOBOCAN 2020, cervical cancer is a significant issue in India, ranking as the third most common cancer with an incidence rate of 18.3% (123,907 cases) and the second leading cause of death with a mortality rate of 9.1% . The age-standardised incidence rate is 18 per 100,000 population, and the 5-year prevalence rate at all ages is 42.82 per 1 lakh population.
The National Cancer Registry Program reports that cervical cancer accounts for 6-29% of all cancers in Indian women. In Arunachal Pradesh, Papumpare district is the most prevalent location for cervical cancer, with an incidence rate of 27.7%., Due to these factors, it is important to develop strong early detection and preventive measures as well as increase awareness of the disease in the country.
Importance of preventive screening and early detection of cervical cancer:
Preventive screening and early detection are important in the fight against cervical cancer. Because cervical cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, regular screening is essential to detect any abnormal cell changes before they become cancerous. “With early detection of cervical cancer, it can be treated more effectively and with less invasive procedures, leading to better outcomes and a lower chance of recurrence. For example, women with early-stage cervical cancer The five-year survival rate for women with advanced cervical cancer is over 92%, while the five-year survival rate for women with advanced cervical cancer is only around 17%. Therefore, it is important for women to get regular cervical cancer screening tests. get tested and monitor any abnormal results promptly.”
Best way to detect cervical cancer in early stages
For cervical cancer to be treated and cured successfully, early detection is important. Dr Nandagopal shares some essential tests that every woman should undergo.
- hpv pcr test kit
This kit uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect and amplify specific segments of DNA. It is used to detect the presence of high-risk HPV strains that can cause cervical cancer. The traditional PCR process quantifies the target HPV DNA at the end-point, while measuring real-time variation and reporting the results after each amplification cycle. This technology enables faster, more accurate detection of target HPV genotypes in real time and can classify the strain causing the infection. With this self-collection home sample test kit, individuals can ensure that they and their partners remain protected from HPV infection with accurate, reliable, and timely results.
- Pap test or HPV test
These tests can detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix before they become cancer. A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix, which is then examined under a microscope for abnormal changes. HPV testing determines whether individuals are at risk for cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus. Regular Pap and HPV tests, as recommended by a healthcare provider, can help find cervical cancer before it is more advanced, and increase the chance of successful treatment.
Ultimately, promoting prevention and early detection of cervical cancer caused by HPV is of paramount importance. This can be achieved through increased awareness and education about the disease, as well as access to HPV vaccination and routine cervical cancer screening such as Pap and HPV DNA tests. By taking these steps, we can reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and save countless lives. It is important for individuals, healthcare providers, and policy makers to work together to prioritize cervical cancer prevention and early detection efforts.
