Cervical cancer curable, say docs

Archana Mishra | tnn
Kanpur: There is no denying the fact that cases of cervical cases have been rising. As per records, out of the 6,000 new cancer patients detected in the city each year, around 1,000 are women who suffer from this disease. However, cervical cancer is curable if detected in early stages.
Senior oncologist at JK Cancer Institute, an associate hospital of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial (GSVM) Medical College, Dr AK Dixit said: "The prevalence of cervical cancer in Kanpur is rising since the past few years.Many reasons can be attributed for it like less detection, lack of awareness and shyness among women. Since such cancer can be cured even if detected in third stage, women should get themselves checked often. Women in age group of 30-35 years are suseptible to it."
Dr Dixit said that when new cells are formed and the old cells do not die, it leads to the formation of a mass of a tissue called tumour or growth. Growth in the cervix can be both non-cancerous and malignant. The malignant growth can be dangerous as it can affect other parts of the body.
Generally, the symptoms of cervical cancer are visible when the cancer grows large. It includes abnormal vaginal bleeding, increased discharge and pelvic pain. "If detected in the primary stages, then radiotherapy and vaccination which is the latest remedy for the malignancy can help to overcome the cancerous stage," said Dixit.
One of the major risk factors that leads to such changes is the human pappilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a group of viruses that can infect the cervix. It is one of the causes of nearly all cervical cancers. The virus is transmitted through sexual contact and if it persists for a longer duration in the genital tract then it becomes infectious. Mostly, women from rural background, least aware about the importance of hygiene of the genital organs, are prone to the disease.
Smoking slightly increases the risk of cervical cancer. Infection with HIV, or taking drugs that suppress the immune system also increase the risk.
Cervical cancer is more common among women who do not go for regular Pap tests. The Pap test helps doctor to find abnormal cells. If the cellular changes are diagnosed early then killing the cells before turning cancerous can prevent cervical cancer. Doctors say women can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by regular Pap test.
"Vaccines are easily available for its treatment," said Dr Dixit, who is also the director of JK Cancer Institute. "Three doses, costing around Rs 10,000, can keep the problem at bay by increasing the immunity of the body against human pappilloma virus (HPV), the agent leading to cancer of the cervix," he added.