Cervical Cancer: Causes, Prevention, and Vaccine Explained by Poonam Pandey

Poonam Pandey, a controversial glamour girl, passed away unexpectedly this morning (Friday). The cause of her death is attributed to cervical cancer, which has been on the rise among women in India and is considered one of the leading causes of mortality. Due to this, the central government has announced in this year’s budget to provide free cervical cancer vaccines to girls aged 9 to 14. This vaccination campaign marks the beginning of a comprehensive effort to eradicate cervical cancer.

The Serum Institute of India (SII) will manufacture the vaccine named Cervavac to prevent cervical cancer. This vaccine will provide immunity against four types of HPV – 16, 18, 6, and 11. The price of this vaccine per dose will range from Rs. 200 to Rs. 400. Currently, the cost of the cervical cancer vaccine available in the market ranges from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per dose.

What is cervical cancer?

What causes it?

How is the vaccine useful in preventing cervical cancer?

How can this cancer be prevented?

Our expert for today is Dr. Shiru Jamindar, Senior Gynecologist, at Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Question: What is cervical cancer?

Answer: Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in any part of the body. When cells in the cervix start to grow uncontrollably, cervical cancer begins. The cervix is the part of the body that connects the vagina to the uterus.

Question: What causes cervical cancer?

Answer: Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is spread through sexual contact and can lead to the development of cancer. It takes a long time for this virus to cause cancer.

Every individual comes into contact with the HPV virus at some point in their life, but our bodies fight it off and clear it. If a person’s immune system is weak, the virus can change the cells in the cervical area to become cancerous. This is how cervical cancer develops.

Question: How is the vaccine useful in preventing cervical cancer?

Answer: The vaccine against cervical cancer, called Cervavac, will be developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII) to prevent cervical cancer. This vaccine will provide protective immunity against four types of HPV – 16, 18, 6, and 11. The price of this vaccine will range from Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 per dose. Currently, the available cervical cancer vaccine in the market costs between Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per dose.

Question: Who is at higher risk of cervical cancer?

Answer: There is no guarantee as to who will develop cervical cancer and who will not, as everyone who comes into contact with the HPV virus is not guaranteed to develop cancer. However, the risk of developing this cancer increases significantly for some individuals.

Women who have unprotected and multiple sexual partners are the main cause of cervical cancer. The more chances of sexual contact increase, the more chances of coming into contact with the HPV virus increase.

Question: Which women are at higher risk of cervical cancer?

Answer: While every woman doesn’t need to develop cervical cancer, there are several reasons why the risk of this cancer increases significantly.

Women who have unprotected and multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of cervical cancer. The more the chances of sexual contact increase, the more the chances of coming into contact with the HPV virus increase.

Question: What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Answer: Cervical cancer progresses slowly, so its symptoms may take time to manifest. Refer to the graph below to understand the early symptoms of cancer.

Question: How is cervical cancer testing done?

Answer: Cervical cancer is one of those cancers that can be detected before it actually occurs. This means that it can be identified through regular screenings.

The reason for this is that this cancer develops very slowly over the years, so if a woman undergoes regular check-ups, the risk of this cancer becoming apparent can be identified beforehand.

Testing for cervical cancer involves a test called the Pap smear test, which is readily available in all small and large hospitals across the country.

In the Pap smear test, cells are collected from the cervical area and sent for testing to see if there is any abnormal growth or not.

Question: What is the Pap smear test?

Answer: The Pap smear test is a test that can identify cervical cancer before it develops. This test is available in all small and large hospitals across the country and is easily accessible.

In the Pap smear test, cells are collected from the cervical area and sent for testing to determine if there is any abnormal growth or not.

If the Pap smear test comes back positive, then the next test is the HPV PapSmear test, which identifies the presence of the HPV virus in cervical cells. If this test also comes back positive, then a biopsy is performed.

Women aged 30 and above should have regular Pap smear screening tests. Cervical cancer becomes more dangerous and life-threatening when it is not detected in time.

Question: How effective is the vaccine in preventing cervical cancer?

Answer: This cancer is caused by a virus and, like other viral diseases, it can also be prevented by vaccines. Just as medical science has developed vaccines that boost immunity against viruses like polio, measles, or COVID-19, vaccines are also highly effective in combating cervical cancer.

This vaccine enhances the body’s immunity against the HPV virus. As a result, even if the virus comes into contact with the body, it does not necessarily lead to cancer.

Question: Can any woman get the cervical cancer vaccine at any age?

Answer: No. The cervical cancer vaccine is only effective when given before becoming sexually active. Therefore, girls should receive this vaccine between the ages of 9 and 14.

Question: What should a woman do to protect herself from cervical cancer if she is beyond the recommended age limit or has already been sexually active?

Answer: Women who are sexually active and cannot receive the cervical cancer vaccine should remain vigilant and pay attention to certain factors.

Question: Why are cervical cancer cases increasing rapidly in India? The root cause behind this?

Answer: Many people can attribute modernity to this, but experience suggests that the biggest cause is ignorance. There’s a significant lack of awareness in society, families, and even among women themselves regarding their health.

Engage those around you with these questions:

What is cervical cancer?

What is a Pap smear test?

What is a mammogram?

Girls aged 9 to 10 don’t know the answers to these questions. When they lack knowledge, they don’t undergo regular cancer screenings. Ignorance leads to neglect. Ignore early symptoms, and by the time they realize, much damage is done.

Question: How can girls and women become more aware and responsible about their bodies?

Answer: First, understand your body. Understand periods, pregnancy, and contraceptive science. Pay attention to your body and don’t ignore any changes. Such as:

Missing periods on time Increased bleeding Pain during periods Less bleeding between periods Pain during sex Urinary infections Vaginal infections

Remember that the body always gives signs of any disorder. We cannot recognize them because we are ignorant of our own species. So, when you see any change in the body that is different from the normal, immediately contact a doctor.