Docs recommend Pap smear test every 3 years for women
Risk factors
- Greater the number of sexual partners, greater the chance of acquiring HPV
- Having sex at an early age increases the risk of HPV
- STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS, increase the chances of HPV
- Smoking results in squamous cell cervical cancer.
There are two main types of cervical cancer — squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
- Cervical cancer doesn’t show any signs or symptoms during the early stage, but you can see the symptoms during the more-advanced stage such as:
- Watery or bloody vaginal discharge with a foul odour
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
- Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
Manav Mander
Ludhiana, January 28
January is observed as the cervical health awareness month. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and the second most common cancer in India among women — accounting for 22.86 per cent of all cancer cases in women.Experts recommend vaccination for girls above nine years of age, but the vaccine is not included in the national immunisation schedule.
Cervical cancer is defined as a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — usually in women aged between 15 and 44. It is not clear what causes cervical cancer, but according to doctors and scientists, most cervical cancers are caused due to the strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).However, the risk of cervical cancer can be reduced by routine Pap tests, using condom, having fewer sexual partners and delaying intercourse.
The screen test for cervical cancer includes Pap test, HPV DNA Test, colposcopy, Punch biopsy, Endocervical Curettage, Electrical wire loop and Cone Biopsy.
“Vaccinations are available for girls and women aged between nine and 26. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls above nine years of age with a shot of two dozes which protect them against the infection,” said Dr Sandhya Sood, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology at American Oncology Institute, Ludhiana.
She further said: “Lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and Pap smear test is the main reason for the increased rate of cervical cancer in India. Several women did not have a clear understanding of the meaning of an abnormal cervical smear and the need for early detection of cervical cancer. Therefore, it is important to make people aware of cervical cancer and women should begin screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes at 21 years of age. Cervical cancer is treated successfully if detected early”.
Another city-based oncologist added further that a Pap smear is recommended for women between 21 and 29 years of age, once in every three years and for women between 30 and 65 years of age, a Pap smear and HPV Test is recommended once in every five years. Awareness should be created among the female population to get these tests done and vaccination for young girls.
Civil Hospital lab to be fully equipped
Ludhiana: The Health Department will no longer be sending samples for testing to the PGI, Chandigarh, as its own Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) laboratory will start working soon.
The test for dengue, outbreak test, microscopic investigation and chikungunya is already being done while a few more tests will also be added. In addition to this, tests related to urine culture, blood culture, vector-borne diseases, hepatitis A and B, tuberculosis and all tests related to blood will be done from February onwards. “Machines and staff for doing culture tests are yet to arrive while the required mechanism for conducting other tests has reached the Civil Hospital. Two microbiologists have also been appointed for the same,” said Civil Durgeon Dr Parvinder Pal Singh Sidhu.
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