While cervical cancer is second only to breast cancer in prevalence among women in the state, there is a worrying lack of awareness about the symptoms and cause of the disease, say doctors.
“We need more effective awareness programmes to educate people with the prevalence of cervical cancer on the rise .
It can be caused by unhygienic sex, having multiple sexual partners and indulging in sex at a an early age.
Smok-ing and prolonged use of contraceptive pills are also contributory factors,” says Dr Chitrathara, senior consultant, oncology, Lakesh-ore and Welcare hospitals.
Most people are unaware that they are infected with the Human Papillomavirus which causes the disease and this results in spreading it , she regrets, explains that the infection can be detected through a pap sm-ear test. Fortunately cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccination un-like others.
“Ideally three dose vaccine must be taken between the ages of 10 and 26 but is not advisable for pregnant women,” she adds.