Will adopt vaccination models of developed nations to combat cervical cancer: Kerala CM

Kochi: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that the state will launch initiatives to promote vaccination to prevent the increasing incidence of cervical cancer among women. He added that the state would adopt the vaccination model followed by many developed countries.

"According to recent studies, seven lakh persons in the state over the age of 30 are at risk of cancer. Breast cancer was identified as the most common type of risk in the study. Meanwhile, it has been shown that the number of cases of cervical cancer is also increasing," said the Chief Minister after inaugurating the new cancer speciality block of the Ernakulam General Hospital. 

Cervical cancer is a cell growth that begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. 

"Besides establishing new cancer treatment facilities in hospitals, the government has created special programmes to address the disease. Cancer centres, Medical Colleges, district, general, and taluk hospitals would form a cancer grid to coordinate treatment, and the therapy will be decentralised," he said. 

Cervical cancer

Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse. This virus causes warts on the skin, genitals and legs. 

Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with HPV. Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer.
 
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. In 2018, an estimated 570,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide, and about 311,000 women died from the disease. 

To prevent cervical cancer, a person must take these crucial steps: get vaccinated against HPV, undergo regular screening tests, and promptly consult doctor if the screening results are abnormal.