Every year in India, over a lakh women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and over 60 thousand die from the disease. It is the second most common cancer in women aged 15-44 years. We got Dr Shalini Vijay, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar, to know more about the disease, prevention, and India’s newest vaccine against cervical cancer, cervavac.
What age is the highest risk for cervical cancer?
Dr Shalini Vijay: The highest risk of cervical cancer is in the age group between 35 to 45 years.
What are the signs of cervical cancer that women need to watch out for?
Dr Shalini: Signs that women need to watch out for are white discharge, postcoital bleeding, foul smell discharge, and intermenstrual bleeding.
What are some of the health screenings that women should do to reduce the risk of cervical cancer?
Dr Shalini: PAP smear test and HPV (Human papillomavirus) test are the two tests for cancer screening. PAP smear is the test for cervical cancer screening along with a clinical examination by a gynaecologist. HPV test is to check if there is any high-risk virus or not.
Can you tell us a bit about India’s newest vaccine Cervavac. How does it help reduce the risk of cervical cancer?
Dr Shalini: The vaccine is given to prevent cervical cancer, and it can be given from the age of 9 yto 45 years. It is advisable to take the vaccine at an early age before a girl starts sexual intercourse as it gives more protection. The vaccine helps in providing antibodies against HPV and prevents infection.
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Can you recommend a healthy lifestyle routine for women as they age?
Dr Shalini: I highly recommend exercise, weight control, avoiding smoking and alcohol, indulging in safe sexual practice, vaginal hygiene and routine screening for cervical cancer.
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