Cervical cancer EXPLAINED: Don’t need Poonam Pandey to raise awareness

There was a lot of buzz in the last few days regarding Poonam Pandey’s cervical cancer and her death which she faked it. Rather I would call it a publicity stunt. Always an attention seeker, this was definitely done in really bad taste. Firstpost after talking to a few doctors explains what cervical cancer actually means, how it can be dangerous and the preventive measures.Cervical cancer can be dangerous because it often progresses without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making late detection more challenging. If left untreated, it can spread to nearby tissues and other organs, impacting overall health. Reports say that cervical cancer is the second-leading cause of deaths among women in India, the central government had announced plans to encourage vaccinations against the human papillomavirus (HPV) through its immunisation programme, is exploring options to cap prices so that the vaccines to treat cervical cancer become more affordable.Preventive measuresPreventive measures include regular Pap smears and HPV vaccinations. Safe sexual practices, limiting sexual partners, and avoiding smoking also contribute to reducing the risk.Women and cervical cancerWomen are more prone to cervical cancer due to the association with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common sexually transmitted virus. Regular screenings are essential for early detection and intervention.Dr. Preethika Shetty, consultant obstetrician and  gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune, says, “While cervical cancer can affect women of any age, those between 30 and 60 years old are more susceptible. Routine screenings become increasingly important during this period.”Dangers of cervical cancerDr Tirathram Kaushik consultant Oncosurgeon, Wockhardt Hospital explains that cervical cancer can be dangerous because it often develops silently in its early stages, showing minimal symptoms. It can progress, spreading to surrounding tissues and potentially metastasizing to other parts of the body.