Cervical cancer awareness by Dr. Sujata Kar

Causes of cervical cancers

• Sexual activity at an early age
• Multiple sexual partners
• Poor hygienic practice
• Multiple child births
• Infection with HPV( Human Papillomavirus)
• Smoking tobacco vaccinations

Vaccines are available for cervical cancers. Some forms of cervical cancers can be prevented by vaccines. Three doses of vaccine are mostly administered to the age group of 9-43 in females.

It’s also prevented by having regular screening with Pap smear test. It costs between Rs 200-300. The test should be starting after the age of 21 and after becoming sexually active. Between the age of 30-65 Pap smear and HPV tests should be done every 3-5 years. Test of Pap smear after the age of 65 is not required.

Warning signs:

• Abnormal and foul vagina discharge
• Abnormal vagina bleeding
• Bleeding in between menses
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Bleeding after attending menopause

Preventions:

• Avoid smoking
• Delay sexual activities
• Avoid multiple sexual partners