Cervical Cancer : At Before It Is Too Late
The term ‘Cancer’ is terrible, but the good news is that a little knowledge and awareness can prove valuable as, nowadays, cancer is curable. If people detect it at an early stage, then there is nothing to worry. Home Times has started a series on Cancer Awareness. Last week, we informed about breast cancer. This week, we inform about cervical cancer, the second most dreaded cancer among women after breast cancer.
Each year, 2.5 million cases of cervical cancer are detected in India and, tragically, approximately 67,477 die to cervical cancer. The peculiarity of this cancer is that it develops gradually and, when it is fully developed, it is too late! But, knowledge about cancer can greatly help ladies to prevent this deadly disease.
In India, most of the deaths occur in rural areas due to lack of awareness amongst ladies. Secondly, many women despite detecting the cancer, are ashamed to speak about it. This is the prime reason why deaths due to cervical cancer are most in India as compared to other countries. Since cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix i.e. the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, hence many ladies feel embarrassed to visit a doctor or share with their near and dear ones. Even in cities many ladies hide their cancer and pay a huge price!
Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV infection, which is either sexually transmitted infection or is transmitted from skin contact. Though the cancer is lethal, it can be prevented by having screening tests and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infection. Secondly, change your style of living. Most important steps are regular screening, quitting smoking, eating fresh fruits and leafy vegetables and maintaining your weight.
Remember, cancer is not a contagious disease. It does not spread by touching, hence we should treat cancer patients as normal human beings and try to make their life enjoyable and entertaining so that they are rejuvenated and aspire to live and forget their sorrows!
