Every year, January is recognised as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. This global initiative aims to raise awareness about a disease that is largely preventable, yet continues to affect thousands of women.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women. The disease develops slowly and often without noticeable symptoms, making awareness, timely screening, and prevention critically important. At the centre of this issue is a common yet often misunderstood virus, Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Chairman of Oncology, Executive Director of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery, KIMS (Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences) Hospitals, Bengaluru, shares what every woman should know.
From HPV Infection to Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. The primary cause is a persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV, a virus transmitted mainly through sexual contact.
Although HPV infections are extremely common and most clear on their own, certain high-risk strains can persist for years. This prolonged infection can lead to abnormal changes in cervical cells which, if left undetected and untreated, may gradually progress to cancer.
The long interval between HPV infection and the development of cervical cancer—often more than 10 years offers a crucial window for prevention, provided women are informed and proactive about regular screening.
Why Cervical Cancer Often Goes Unnoticed
One of the biggest challenges in managing cervical cancer is the absence of symptoms in its early stages. As a result, many women delay screening, assuming there is no immediate cause for concern. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be at an advanced stage, making treatment more complex.
This is why regular screening is essential, regardless of whether symptoms are present.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
While early-stage cervical cancer is often asymptomatic, certain warning signs should prompt immediate medical evaluation:
Unusual vaginal bleeding, especially between periods or after intercourse
Persistent pelvic or lower back pain
Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Although these symptoms are not exclusive to cervical cancer, they should never be ignored.
The Role of Screening in Early Detection
Screening tests such as the Pap smear and HPV test play a vital role in early detection. The Pap test identifies abnormal cervical cells, while the HPV test detects high-risk strains of the virus. Regular screening can identify precancerous changes early, allowing timely intervention and significantly better outcomes.
It is important to note that screening is recommended even for women who have received the HPV vaccine.
HPV Vaccination: A Powerful Preventive Tool
The HPV vaccine is one of the most significant advances in cervical cancer prevention. It protects against the high-risk HPV strains most commonly linked to cervical cancer and is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, typically during adolescence.
Widespread HPV vaccination has the potential to dramatically reduce future cases of cervical cancer, as well as several other HPV-related cancers.
Precautions That Reduce Risk
Several measures can help reduce the risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer:
Receiving the HPV vaccine at the recommended age
Adhering to regular screening schedules
Avoiding tobacco use, as smoking weakens immune function
Practising safe sex
Maintaining overall immune health through balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle
Why Awareness Matters
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented, detected early, and treated successfully when action is taken in time. Awareness empowers women to prioritise screening, understand the importance of vaccination, and seek medical care without stigma or fear.
With informed choices, accessible healthcare, and continued public education, cervical cancer can shift from being a silent threat to a preventable condition, saving countless lives in the process.
