Cervical cancer stands as the second-most prevalent cancer affecting women in India, yet there’s a concerning gap in the adoption of preventive measures.
Despite the availability of a cervical cancer vaccine in India for over 17 years now, including an indigenous option, uptake remains low which is compounded with a lack of awareness.
In an exclusive interview with South First, Dr V Annapurna, Senior Gynaecologist, highlights the imperative need for both daughters and sons to receive the HPV vaccine.
“Cervical cancer is mainly caused by infections of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus comparable to the common cold, in terms of prevalence.”
“To avoid in person screening, there are testing kits available in the market also swabs which are available even on Amazon. One just needs to order those kits and they can test at home.”
She warns, “HPV infection will not cause any symptoms. It will just sit there. It can enter the body when you are in your 20s and remain dormant for many years before it surfaces.”
“I would recommend every woman to get tested from the age of 25 years, not at 40. Every five years once is all that you have to go. Once in five years is all the testing you need.”