Doctors at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) are implementing a three-part strategy from the World Health Organization aimed at eradicating cervical cancer by 2030. This initiative follows a commitment made in 2020 by 194 countries to eliminate the disease as a public health threat.
Professor Nisha Singh from the Department of Gynaecological Oncology emphasized the importance of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14. The vaccine is much more affordable at government hospitals, priced at ₹500, compared to the market price which ranges from ₹4,500 to ₹9,000. Furthermore, the vaccine is 70 to 80% effective. While it is primarily given to women in India, many other countries offer it as a gender-neutral vaccine.
The HPV vaccine consists of two doses, administered six months apart. Additionally, screening for cervical cancer is crucial for women aged 25 to 65. Professor Singh recommends that eligible women get screened at least twice: once at age 35 and again at 45, ideally undergoing screening every five years starting at 25. Early screening can help identify whether women are in a pre-cancerous stage, and if such a stage is detected, it often doesn’t require a hysterectomy-often, simpler treatments can suffice.
The third aspect of the strategy focuses on treatment for those diagnosed with cervical cancer. For early-stage cases, surgical removal of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and lymph nodes is the most common approach. For younger women, there are options available for fertility-preserving surgeries. Advanced cases may require radiation and chemotherapy. “Prevention and early diagnosis are always preferable,” noted Professor Singh.
Professor Rajeev Gupta, Head of Radiation Oncology at KGMU, added that in pre-cancer stages, only the cervix is removed through minimally invasive techniques. However, if cancer is detected at an early stage, the entire reproductive system is surgically removed. In cases of advanced cancer, a combination of external radiation therapy and intracavitary radiation therapy (Brachy Therapy) is employed to optimize treatment outcomes.
Symptoms of cervical cancer often appear in women in their mid-20s, particularly among those who married early and experienced multiple pregnancies in quick succession, alongside poor personal hygiene.
This approach not only highlights the pressing need for vaccination and screening but also educates women about crucial health management, ensuring better outcomes in the fight against cervical cancer.
Original Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/cervical-cancer-hpv-vax-regular-screening-must-to-stay-healthy-101763480262616.html
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Publish Date: 2025-11-18 21:07:00
