Prevent, Protect, Empower: Unleashing Cervical Cancer Awareness

January, not only marks the beginning of a new year but also serves as a poignant reminder that it is Cervical Health Awareness Month. In India, the gravity of the situation unfolds with cervical cancer standing as one of the foremost challenges among women. Globally, it ranks as the 4th most prevalent form of cancer. 

The stark reality of 2018 reveals a heart-wrenching toll, with over 300,000 women succumbing to this preventable and curable disease. In 2020, a resounding call echoed through the global health community as the World Health Organisation (WHO) rallied nations towards a shared mission, the elimination of cervical cancer. This proclamation signified a renewed commitment to confront a pervasive health threat, urging the entire world to unite behind a common goal. The global strategy for cervical cancer elimination was officially adopted by WHO - a comprehensive strategy that serves as a blueprint, guiding nations towards a collective endeavour to wipe out cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Now is the Time to Act

The urgency is palpable - now is the time to translate intentions into actions. To achieve the ambitious goal of eliminating cervical cancer, nations worldwide must strive to reach and maintain an incidence rate of below 4 per 100,000 women. The collective journey toward cervical cancer elimination requires each country to meet the 90–70–90 targets by the year 2030. This milestone marks the pathway to set the stage for a future where cervical cancer is a rarity within the next century. As we approach this significant mission, the dedication to eliminate cervical cancer is felt worldwide. The ability to change the story comes from working together, staying dedicated, and having a common vision for a world without the burden of cervical cancer. 

Identifying key pillars for progress.

The strategy relies on 3 fundamental pillars, each accompanied by specific targets:

Screening: Aiming for 70% of women to undergo screening by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45.

Vaccination: Ensure 90% of girls receive full HPV vaccination by the age of 15.

Treatment: 90% treatment rate for pre-cancerous conditions and for women diagnosed with invasive cancer.

Doctor Speaks: Prevention is the key

When your body's immune system can't get rid of an HPV infection, it can stay for a while and change normal cells into abnormal ones, which may lead to cancer. Cervical cancer can be prevented and cured if found early and treated effectively. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away for a thorough check-up:

• Vaginal bleeding after sex, menopause, or between periods
• Periods that are heavier or longer than normal
• Vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odour or contains blood
• Pelvic pain
• Painful bowel movements or bleeding from the rectum
• Difficult or painful urination or blood in the urine
• Dull backacheSwelling of the legs
• Pain in the abdomen
• Feeling tired

Together, let us act, unite, and stride towards a future where cervical cancer is but a distant memory.

*Source: WHO