India accounts for around 16% of the total cervical cancer deaths in the world[1]. Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. It usually grows slowly and there may be no symptoms at all in the early stages.
What Signs Should YOU Look For?
-Bleeding between periods
-Bleeding after menopause
-Discomfort during sexual intercourse
-Bleeding after sexual intercourse
-Vaginal discharge tinged with blood
-Vaginal discharge with a strong odor
-Pain in the pelvic area (between the abdomen and the thighs)
Find the warning signs relatable? Do consult a doctor now.
What Puts YOU At Risk Of Cervical Cancer?
-HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, a sexually transmitted virus
-Becoming sexually active early
-Having multiple sexual partners
-Smoking
-Long term use of some birth control pills
-Other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea and syphilis
What YOU Must Know
HPV infections nearly always occur as a result of sexual contact with an individual who has HPV. In most cases, it gets cleared on its own. But in some cases, it does not go away, it can cause cervical cancer.
Having a new sex partner at any age increases risk of getting a new HPV infection. Make a promise to yourself to always indulge in safe sex. Explore our range of Condoms. SHOP NOW
How To Lower YOUR Risk?
Get screened: A Pap smear allows cervical screening that might help identify and deal with signs of cancer before the condition can develop or spread too far. Book Test Now
Get vaccinated: HPV vaccines can provide up to 90% protection if taken before being sexually active and exposed to HPV.
Planning to get an HPV vaccine. Know more from an expert. Consult NOW.
Delay first sexual intercourse: The younger a woman is when she has sexual intercourse for the first time, the higher the risk of HPV infection becomes.
Have a mutually honest sexual partner: Sex with mutiple partners increases risk of transmitting the HPV virus. This can lead to a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
If you are sexually active: Using condoms the right way can lower your chances of getting HPV. But HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom, so condoms may not fully protect against getting HPV.
Stop smoking: Women who smoke face a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
Let’s defeat cancer, one step at a time.
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
Recommended Reads:
This Women’s Day, Gift Your Daughter A Vaccine To Prevent Cervical Cancer
Pap Smear Test For Cervical Cancer
Reference:
1. Srivastava AN, Misra JS, Srivastava S, Das BC, Gupta S. Cervical cancer screening in rural India: Status & current concepts. Indian J Med Res 2018;148:687-96. http://www.ijmr.org.in/article.asp?issn=0971-5916;year=2018;volume=148;issue=6;spage=687;epage=696;aulast=Srivastava