Vaccination, early screening can prevent cervical cancer death for women

Thirty-eight-year-old Nadia Islam was leading a happy life with her husband and two children. However, one time she started feeling something wrong during her menstruation which ultimately led to extreme pain. Her menstruation cycles also became irregular.

The unbearable situation forced the housewife to visit a gynecologist. After many diagnoses, the doctors found that she was suffering from cervical cancer. The news brought a tremendous shock for Nadia and her private employee husband.

Post-menopausal bleeding, unusual or heavier bleeding during menstruation, severe pain during intercourse, bleeding after intercourse, increased vaginal discharge, unexplained pelvic and back pain are all signs of cervical cancer. If anyone ever faces any of these, she should go to a doctor without any delay.

Experts said cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with an estimated 570,000 new cases each year in the world as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is responsible for this disease. 

In Bangladesh, it appears to be the second most common type of cancer for women, with approximately 12,000 new cases detected every year, and over 6,000 deaths due to the severity of the disease, they said.
 
It is matter of fear that vaccines were yet to be invented for most cancers. But, for cervical cancer, there is a vaccine. 

Experts said if the girls are vaccinated during their reproductive age ranging 13-15, they can be given protection for lifetime.

Just like breast cancer, screening for cervical cancer is a very good preventive measure. After reaching the age of 30, every woman must go for screening, at least once a year. 

Cervical cancer screening is now accessible to women thanks to the programmes initiated by the government and many health-related NGOs and non-profit organisations who offer free screening.

Getting married and having children before the age of 18 poses a huge risk in developing cervical cancer. 

Experts opined that the best age to have a baby is over 20 to reduce risk of being infected with cervical cancer. Other than, at least 18 months gap is needed to conceive for second child to avoid such type of cancer.

It goes without saying that personal hygiene prevents many types of diseases, and cervical cancer is no different. Keeping the cervix area clean is very important.

Sexual activity with more than one partner increases the chances of infection by HPV.

Habibullah Talukder Raskin, an associate professor of National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital, said the majority of cervical cancer cases occur in mid-age rather than old-age and it is one of the most common cancers for women under 35.

"Preventative screening programmes can protect cervical cancer deaths and exposes early detection. When the disease is detected early, it is highly treatable," he added.

He said now the patients, who are suffering from cervical cancer, would get treatment at an affordable price at city hospitals, including National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital and others.