In India every year around 134,420 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 72,825 die from the disease. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower part of uterus which opens in the vagina. The main cause is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact. Other co-factors for progression from HPV infection to cancer are tobacco smoking, long term hormonal contraceptive use & co-infection with HIV. Early detection can reduce the incidence & mortality from this disease. For this, all women over the age of 20 should have cervical screening at least every five years. In cervical screening, cells from the surface of the cervix are collected painlessly & examined for any abnormalities. Some symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding ( between periods ), vaginal discharge tinged with blood & more rarely discomfort during intercourse. Women from low income population are at high risk as they have less education about safe sex practices & poor excess to health services. As HPV virus can stay in the body for years & after 15-20 years can develop as cancer, so it is advisable to administer preventive vaccine from the age of 9-24 years. So by the time a girl reaches her late 40s, she is safe-guarded. A one time dose of vaccine is given thrice in a span of year, with per dose coming at a price of Rs 2800 only. It is very expensive & to prevent the incidence of cervical cancer, it is very essential to vaccinate as many as possible. To vaccinate the underprivileged please donate so that we can do mass vaccination for better tomorrow.
