Published: 10th Feb, 2024
Cervical Cancer
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.
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HPV
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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.
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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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