Turning the Tide: Combatting Cervical Cancer in India
Ahead of World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, experts stressed the importance of awareness, vaccination, and early screening to combat cervical cancer, a major threat to women's health in India. The disease is preventable through HPV vaccination, and early diagnosis using regular Pap tests can save lives.
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- India
On the verge of World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, healthcare experts emphasized the critical need for heightened awareness, vaccination, and early screening to tackle cervical cancer. This disease remains a severe health threat to women in India.
During an awareness event, Dr. Veena Acharya, a senior gynaecologist, expressed concerns about the fatal consequences of late diagnosis. 'In India, cervical cancer claims a woman's life every eight minutes due to delayed detection,' she stated.
HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, and a vaccine exists, effective in preventing 90% of cases, explained Acharya. Regular Pap smear tests, as suggested by Dr. Anshu Patodia, are vital in early detection. Ongoing awareness efforts include free consultations and screenings across private hospitals.