Hyderabad: Most of us by now know about the publicity stunt Poonam Pandey and her PR team have done in the name of spreading awareness against cervical cancer. On February 2, Poonam Pandey’s team put out a statement saying that the actor-model passed away after having a history of cervical cancer.
The entire day, social media and media outlets flooded with reports and posts concerning, how a 32-year-old young woman abruptly died due to cervical cancer.
On one hand, where many media outlets and social media users declared her dead and were sending condolences to her family. On the other hand, there was a set of people who showed their disbelief and scepticism as the actress was seen at an event in Goa just three days before, looking healthy.
Poonam Pandey is known for her controversies. From promising to strip naked, if the Indian cricket team wins to claiming that she once had a brain haemorrhage alleging that her ex-husband Sam Bombay hit her in the head, she had as all.
But this time, it went way too much for her fans to digest. Social media is flooded with videos and tweets slamming the actor for engaging in a cheap publicity stunt and calling it an awareness campaign later. Here are some tweets condemning her actions.
Although her PR stunt was unethical, it has led people to look up cervical cancer and wade through a sea of misinformation.
In this article, speaking to Dr P Raghu Ram OBE, Officer of the Most Excellent Order of British Empire, Padma Shri and Dr BC Roy National awardee and former President of The Association of Surgeons of India, we will encounter some of those questions people have asked online.
What is cervical cancer?
Explaining cervical cancer, Dr P Raghu Ram said, “It is a malignant tumour arising from the lowermost part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow uncontrollably and eventually form a tumour.”
Cervical cancer begins with an abnormal growth in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the narrow opening of the uterus or womb. According to the World Health Organisation, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. Cervical cancer is caused due to the presence of human papillomavirus. Various strains of HPV play a crucial role in cervical cancer.
Is it possible for someone to die abruptly from cervical cancer?
Dr P Raghu said, “No one dies abruptly from cervical cancer. If cervical cancer is not detected early, it can spread to different parts of the body. The most common places for cervical cancer to spread are the lymph nodes, liver, lungs and bones. With 1,20,000 new cases and 77,000 deaths per annum, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in India. Due to lack of awareness and not getting screening tests done, the vast majority present in advanced stages.”
He further added, “The most recent National Family Health Survey (NHFH – 5) reveal that only 1.1 per cent of the population have been screened for cervical cancer and less than 1 per cent for breast and oral cancer. These dismally low figures must be addressed as a matter of urgency by the government under the auspices of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Cancer and Stroke (NPCDCS).”
What are the symptoms and prevention?
Not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will have symptoms. When it starts, cervical cancer might not cause symptoms. As it grows, cervical cancer might cause
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause.
• Menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer than usual.
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour.
• Lower abdominal pain during intercourse.
Prevention
Cervical cancer is preventable and eminently curable if detected early. Ways of preventing cervical cancer include:
A.HPV vaccination
• HPV vaccination is a safe and effective way to help prevent cervical cancer. The vaccine offers the most protection when given before a person becomes sexually active. Those who are already sexually active may benefit less from the vaccine. This is because sexually active people may have been exposed to some of the HPV types the vaccine targets.
B.Cervical cancer screening
• Because HPV vaccination doesn’t protect against all HPV types that can cause cervical cancer, getting screened at regular intervals is still important.
• Pap smear can find high-risk HPV infections and abnormal cell changes and precancers that can be treated before they turn into cancer. Screening tests should start in the 20s and be repeated every few years.
C.Practicing safe sex
• Condoms, which prevent some sexually transmitted diseases, can decrease the risk of HPV transmission.
How can it be diagnosed as early as possible?
If you are having complaints such as unusual bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after sexual intercourse, increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge or persistent pain in the back, legs, or pelvis, weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite, vaginal discomfort or swelling in the legs; it’s time you should book an appointment with your healthcare professional.
Cervical cancer develops slowly and over many years. Before turning to cancer, cells in the cervix go through many abnormal changes. These abnormal cells may turn into cancer. Regular screening with a pap test/smear can detect most cases of cervical cancer. A pap test or pap smear involves the collection of cells from the cervix. These cells are examined for signs of precancers or other abnormalities
If the pap test comes back as abnormal, further testing will be done. This will include taking a sample of tissue for a biopsy. If the biopsy confirms cancer, further tests will determine whether the disease has spread in the body.
When HPV vaccination should be given? Is it safe?
“Yes, studies and researchers have found HPV vaccines to be safe. HPV is available in India. Cervavac is the first Indian-made HPV vaccine by the Serum Institute of India and is approved for girls and boys aged between 9 and 26 years. Cervavac is priced relatively lower than its international counterparts,” said Dr P Raghu.
Is HPV vaccine associated with infertility?
No, there is no convincing evidence to suggest HPV vaccine causes infertility.
