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,” says Dr. Chitrathara, senior consultant in surgical and gynaecology oncology at Lakeshore and Welcare hospitals.
“It can be caused by unhygienic sex, having multiple sexual partners and indulging in sex at an early age. Smoking and prolonged use of contraceptive pills are also contributory factors.”
Most people are unaware that they are infected with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that causes the disease and this results in spreading it, she regrets, explains that the infection can be detected through a pap smear test.
Fortunately cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccination unlike others. “It is ideal to take a three dose vaccine between the ages of 10 and 26.
Women up to the age of 45 can take it as well but it is not advisable for pregnant women. According to current research data, the success rate of the preventive vaccine is more than 90 per cent,” she added.
The Gynec Onco Kare Society (GOKS), an NGO in the medical sector, has been conducting regular camps and programmes in various parts of the state to create awareness about the disease.