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Vaccination Freedom from cervical cancer?

Anishaa Kumar | February 1, 2012 | 0 Comments

Cervical cancer or cancer of the cervix is one of the most common causes of cancer in India along with breast cancer. According to Dr Y Nalini, consultant radiation oncologist, Yashoda Hospital, Somajiguda, “cervical cancer cases which are found mostly in rural areas and also in urban areas may occur due to having many children, early marriage, deliveries at home and also due to lack of personal hygiene.”

Detect it

The common symptoms include white discharge, vaginal bleeding and bleeding between menstrual cycles. For the detection of cervical cancer Pap tests also known as Pap smear tests are suggested. Explains Dr Nalini, “These are screening tests. Many women may or may not have the symptoms of cervical cancer. These tests need to be conducted to find out if there is an infection that may cause the cancer. If after the first three years of regularly conducting the tests the results are still normal it can then be done less frequently. After the age of 40, women must undergo the test frequently.”

Vaccination

Cervical cancer is caused due to an infection in the cervix. The infection is due to the Human Papillomaviruses. According to Dr Nalini, the HPV Virus vaccinations provide protection against an infection causes by both HPV-18 and HPV-16 strains of the virus that can cause cervical cancer.

Popularity in India

Talking about the popularity of the vaccination in India, Dr Nalini mentions that only educated people are enquiring about and taking the vaccination. Explaining further she says that the vaccination should preferably be taken before marriage ie should be taken before the women engages in sexual contact and the ideal age for taking the vaccine is in the age-group of 13-22.”

Women who are already married can also take the vaccination mentions Dr Nalini, “Even if a woman is married, if she has not been infected she can take the vaccine.” says Dr Nalini. According to Dr Rupa Reddy, asst professor, department of OBG at Shadan Medical College, “There has not been much enquiry about the vaccination in the City. Gynaecologists are advising these vaccinations during regular counselling.”

Cost

“The vaccination can be given by both a gynaecologist as well as an oncologist”, Dr Nalini mentions. Many times we stay away from treatment due to their cost. Many of us fail to understand the importance of these procedures. Talking about the pricing and administration of the vaccine, she mentions, “The vaccination costs roughly `2,000 per dose.

In order to be protected, a woman needs to take three doses of the vaccination. Only then will the vaccine be effective. After the first dose, the next dose is given after a month and the third dose is given three months after the second dose,” she mentions. Dr Rupa maintains that though the vaccination is effective on most strains of the HPV, like many vaccinations there has been no proof that it is 100 per cent effective.

Are they safe?

There have been many controversies regarding these vaccinations. But according to Dr Nalini these vaccinations are safe. She mentions, “All vaccinations are safe, there may be side effects but there has no proven major side effects”. Dr Rupa also says that the vaccination is advised and is safe.

Treatment

“If cervical cancer is detected in its early stages, surgery is suggested. In case it is detected in the later stages, radiotherapy is given. Nowadays chemotherapy is given along with radiotherapy, it is known as concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy,” explains Dr Nalini.

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