How can we deal with Cervical Cancer in a better manner
Cervical cancer: What is it?
About:
- The cervix of a woman is where cervical cancer develops. In the world, it is the fourth most prevalent type of cancer among women.
- A high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with nearly all occurrences of cervical cancer (99%). HPV is a very prevalent virus that is spread through sexual contact.
- Different Strain Types:
- Approximately 85 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by persistent infections with specific high-risk HPV strains.
- At least 14 varieties of HPV have been found to be oncogenic, or having the ability to cause cancer.
- Of these, HPV types 16 and 18, which are thought to be the most carcinogenic, have been linked to over 70% of cervical cancer occurrences worldwide.
Reasons:
Obstacles to Timely Detection:
- Decreased consciousness, anxiety, and the lack of early indicators lead to late-stage identification, which raises the death toll.
- One of the biggest issues is that women are not checked and often turn to over-the-counter medicines as their first line of treatment.
Absence of Formal Health Care Access:
- According to an Andhra Pradesh study, 68% of patients went to traditional healers first, and only 3% had been vaccinated against HPV.
- Telangana expects a 28% rise in cancer cases, which may present difficulties in providing cancer care.
India’s Situation:
- In India, cervical cancer is second in frequency among female cancers, primarily afflicting middle-aged women.
- With 77,348 deaths and 1,23,907 new cases in 2022, India accounted for one-fifth of the worldwide burden.
CERVAVAC: What is it?
About:
- The CERVAVAC vaccine is the first to be produced in India and is intended to protect against four strains of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV): Type 6, Type 11, Type 16, and Type 18.
- A vaccination known as a quadrivalent stimulates the immune system to fight off four distinct antigens, such as viruses or other microbes.
- Based on VLP (Virus-Like Particles), CERVAVAC is administered similarly to the Hepatitis B vaccine.
Importance:
- With the approval of the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI), the government was authorised to purchase vaccinations in large quantities to vaccinate around 50 million girls in the relevant age range.
- Only when the vaccination is given prior to the first sexual encounter does it prove to be really effective.
- It would be beneficial if it were provided at a cheaper cost than current immunisations and included in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) vaccination campaigns because it has a considerable chance of eradicating cervical cancer.
Worldwide Situation:
- The two current vaccinations that are licenced worldwide and are accessible in India are the bivalent vaccine Cervarix from GlaxoSmithKline and the quadrivalent vaccine Gardasil from Merck. Both vaccines are expensive and not covered by the country’s immunisation programme.
- Which government initiatives are involved in the treatment of cancer?
- The National Programme for Diabetes, Stroke, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Cancer Prevention and Control
- The National Cancer Database
- National Day to Prevent Cancer
- HPV vaccination
What Actions Are Possible to End Cervical Cancer?
Vaccination against HPV:
- Cervical cancer is caused by a high-risk persistent HPV infection, low socioeconomic status, and smoking.
- Preventing and curing the disease can be achieved by early detection with HPV vaccination, screening, and prompt treatment.
Possibility of Early Identification and Management:
- The pre-invasive phase of cervical cancer lasts between 10 and 15 years, providing a window for early detection and outpatient therapy.
- A cure rate of more than 93% is achieved with early-stage care, underscoring the significance of prompt interventions.
Possibility of Cervical Cancer Elimination:
- SDG 3.4 states that the only non-communicable disease that has the potential to be eradicated is cervical cancer.
- Aiming for fewer than four instances per 100,000 women, the World Health Organisation (WHO) sets targets for the elimination of cervical cancer, including 90% immunisation of girls by the age of 15, 70% screening at the ages of 35 and 45, and 90% treatment for pre-cancer and cancer cases.
- It has a focus on straightforward, scalable therapies such early diagnosis, screening, and HPV vaccination.
Government Programmes for Screening for Cancer:
- In basic health facilities, the Indian government conducts cancer screening, which includes HPV and ocular tests.
- Treatment is guided by evidence-based management algorithms, and settings with limited resources are assisted with indigenous kits and vaccines.
The function of technological progress:
- Cervical cancer prevention is improved by innovations such as single-dose HPV vaccination, self-sampling for HPV testing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
- These advancements, in conjunction with rising HPV vaccination rates, are encouraging for environments with limited resources.
Population-Level Strategies and Awareness Are Critically Needed:
- Increasing awareness, encouraging HPV vaccination uptake, overcoming reluctance, putting age-appropriate screening into place, and fortifying pre-cancer treatment procedures are all necessary to combat cervical cancer.
- Building capability and forming partnerships are crucial for success.
A Wholesome Method to Enhance Care for Cervical Cancer:
- Accurate diagnosis, improved cancer registries, less financial strain, and strong health systems all require persistent efforts.
- Successfully eliminating cervical cancer will require integrating digital technology, establishing connections across all care routes, and encouraging teamwork.
- The startling numbers of newly diagnosed illnesses and fatalities underscore the critical need for preventative actions. When treated at an early stage, early detection with screening and HPV vaccination offers a significant opportunity with a high cure rate. Together with government measures, the WHO’s suggested targets offer a comprehensive intervention path. Sustained efforts are needed to accomplish success, including vaccination promotion, awareness campaigns, a focus on teamwork, and creative ways to eradicate cervical cancer.
