Combating Cancer among women

Dr Deepak BhartiCancer is no longer synonymous with hopelessness. With advances in screening, vaccination, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, many gynaecological cancers can be prevented, detected early or effectively controlled for years. The key is reaching the healthcare system at the right time.Cervical cancer: a largely preventable cancerAmong Indian women, cervical cancer remains a major public-health concern. According to GLOBOCAN 2022, India recorded approximately 1.28 lakh new cervical cancer cases, making it the second most common cancer among Indian women after breast cancer. The encouraging message is that cervical cancer is largely preventable. Persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the principal cause of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination can dramatically reduce the risk of infection and subsequent cervical cancer. WHO recommends HPV vaccination as a key preventive measure, particularly for girls aged 9-14 years, before exposure to HPV. But vaccination alone is not enough.