The passing of actor-model Poonam Pandey due to cervical cancer, occurring just after a governmental push in the Budget to vaccinate girls aged 9-14, has drawn attention to the disease’s high mortality rate.
Poonam Pandey, renowned for her role in the 2013 film ‘Nasha,’ was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer, her manager confirmed.
The challenge of early detection significantly contributes to the alarming fatality rate of cervical cancer in India.
Dr. Raj Vardhan, OSD Chairman at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, explained, “Cervical cancer often goes unnoticed in its early stages, leading to delayed diagnosis and unfavorable outcomes, rendering it particularly lethal.”
Cervical cancer, primarily transmitted through sexual activity, affects the cells lining the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, typically transmitted during sexual intercourse without displaying symptoms for years, complicating early detection.
After breast cancer, cervical cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer among Indian women, predominantly impacting middle-aged individuals. In 2022, India recorded 1,23,907 cases and 77,348 deaths from cervical cancer, highlighting the severity of the issue.
What was she saying just before doing this stunt?😱#PoonamPandey #PoonamPandeyDeath pic.twitter.com/mYbflX2uv5
— Berlin (@Toxicity_______) February 2, 2024
Dr. Vandana Jain, Head of Gynaecology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), emphasized the crucial 10-15 year interval between HPV infection and cancer development.
Despite the high prevalence of HPV among sexually active women, the immune system typically clears the virus within a few years. However, persistent infections, particularly with high-risk strains like HPV 16 and 18, can lead to cervical cancer.
Cultural stigma surrounding cervical cancer in India, coupled with inadequate access to screening and treatment in rural areas, exacerbates the burden of the disease.
Dr. Raj Vardhan stressed the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure, awareness, and access to screenings to combat cervical cancer effectively.
While experts appreciate the government’s initiative to provide free vaccinations for girls aged nine to 14, they emphasize the importance of increasing awareness and accessibility to screenings to mitigate the disease’s impact.
Dr. Jain noted, “While vaccination doesn’t offer complete immunity, it plays a crucial role in reducing the cervical cancer burden in the country.”
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