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Cervical Cancer

Published: 9th Feb, 2024

Context

Cervical cancer, the second most common type of cancer diagnosed in women in India, received a push in the Budget 2024 (increased vaccination).

What is Cervical Cancer?

  • Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix- the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
  • Caused by: The primary cause is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a dangerous virus. The majority of cases of cervical cancer (99%) are associated with HPV infection.
    • Other risk factors: Multiple sexual partners, starting the journey into sexual activity at a young age heightens vulnerability, infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS can increase the risk, and smoking can also elevated risk of cervical cancer.

HPV

  • HPV is an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
  • It is complicated by the fact that it can last for years, causing changes in cervical cells over time and ultimately opening the door for cancer.
  • HPV Vaccine: The HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if the vaccine is given before girls or women are exposed to the virus.
    • Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil): It protects against four types of HPV (HPV 16, 18, 6 and 11). The latter two strains cause genital warts.
    • Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix): It protects against HPV 16 and 18 only.
    • Non-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9): It protects against nine strains of HPV.

India-made vaccine

Cervavac (quadrivalent): This is India's first indigenous HPV vaccine, launched in January 2023, It has been developed and manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII). It targets the same four HPV types as Gardasil.

  • Symptoms: Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women.
  • Prevention: Effective primary (HPV vaccination) and secondary prevention approaches (screening for, and treating precancerous lesions) will prevent most cervical cancer cases.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research's National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP), the estimated number of cervical cancer cases in the country in 2023 was more than 3.4 lakh

 Cervical Cancer Types

  • Squamous cell carcinoma: This forms in the lining of your cervix. It’s found in up to 90% of cases.
  • Adenocarcinoma: This forms in the cells that produce mucus.
  • Mixed carcinoma: This has features of the two other types.
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