Dr Girija Wagh, Gynecologist, Kothrud, Pune

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Cervical Cancer: Screening and vaccination

Home » BLOG » Cervical Cancer: Screening and vaccination

By Dr. Girija Wagh • July 22, 2017 • No Comments

With regular screening, it’s possible to prevent cervical cancer that is notorious for claiming the life of one woman every seven minutes

With regular screening, it’s possible to prevent cervical cancer that is notorious for claiming the life of one woman every seven minutes

What makes cervical cancer the most dreaded cancer in women is that it strikes them in their prime and often there are no visible symptoms until it’s too late. It’s the only cancer with a known cause and that can be prevented. Ironically, many women are not even aware what the cervix is and what causes this cancer.

How the cancer grows

Cervix is the lower most part of the uterus or the mouth of the uterus that dips into the vagina. In a normal state, the cervix constantly changes in response to fluctuating hormonal levels.

The tissues in our body have a predetermined growth. Exposure to carcinogenic [cancer causing] factors can trigger abnormal growth in tissue cells. As a result, these cells do not perform their functions optimally, grow in an unruly fashion and spread beyond their requisite boundaries.

The Human Papilloma Virus [HPV] is responsible for causing cervical cancer. Usually, an infection of this virus clears on its own. However, if it persists, it can cause cervical cancer. HPV may also cause genital warts, cancers of the vulva and vagina. Genital warts are lump-like growths in the genital region. As the disease progresses, one may notice abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding between periods, or after sexual contact and increased white discharge that may be foul smelling.

Did you know?

In India, 74,000 women die every year due to cervical cancer.

 

Who is at risk?

All sexually active women, across all segments of society are at risk. However, there are certain preventable factors that add to the risk.

  • Early sexual exposure, either through premarital sex [which is often clandestine, and therefore, without any protection] or because of an early marriage. This exposes the girl to loads of infections. The risk is higher in such cases, because at this age the body is not always mature or healthy to fight infections.
  • Anaemia adversely affects immunity. In case of Indian women, this can be an important influencing factor as nearly 70 per cent – 80 per cent women in India have haemoglobin levels below 11g/dl.
  • Frequent termination of pregnancy, especially using over-the-counter medications and emergency contraceptives. This adds to the risk because even though the pregnancy is terminated, the hormonal changes in the cervical tissues increase the susceptibility to infections.
  • Repeated pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections.
  • Smoking increases a woman’s risk of developing precancerous and cancerous conditions.
  • Lack of proper personal hygiene, poor nutrition and absence of contraception make a woman susceptible to infections.

All the above situations act as an ideal milieu for the HPV virus to thrive.

How to prevent the cancer

All it takes to prevent this cancer is regular screening and vaccination.

Screening

Women should regularly screen themselves with Pap smear, which involves testing naturally shed cervical cells on a slide and staining them. The test is reliable and helps detect the disease in its precancerous stage, when the treatment is simple and may not require surgery.

Ideally, women should start screening by Pap smear within three years of becoming sexually active and continue every three years till the age of 65 years. Women who find this option cumbersome should at least test themselves once at 35 years of age or after that [recommends the World Health Organization].

Two other simple tests that give instant results are the VIA [Acetic acid] or VILI [Lugol’s iodine].

In these tests, the cervix is smeared with diluted acetic acid or Lugol’s iodine and examined for a precancerous condition. These are done by gynaecologists or trained health workers and are comparable alternatives to the Pap test. In case the tests results are positive and the doctor suspects a precancerous lesion, the woman is subjected to colposcopic examination. A colposcope is a device that enables examining the cervix through a magnified lens. The affected tissue is then either excised for biopsy or cauterised.

The HPV DNA test is the current gold-standard in cervical cancer screening and can detect the presence of high-risk HPV types covering more than 95 per cent of the cervical cancer cases. It is USFDA approved and has more than 300 publications to support its strength and utility. It involves collecting the specimen from the cervix with a small brush-like tool, which is then used to detect the HPV DNA. The collection procedure takes less than five minutes.

If the test results are negative, there is a negligible risk of cancer with an amazing 99.7 per cent certainty and can reduce the screening interval to once in 3 – 5 years. If the test results are positive, there is an increased risk of progression due to the presence of high-risk HPV. An immediate follow-up is essential to treat the disease before it becomes cancerous. A repeat test may be advised in 12 months.

HPV DNA is recommended for women who are 30 years of age or older. It is done for primary screening and also in case of abnormal/inconclusive Pap smear results or cervical disease to determine the follow-up procedures. The test beats the disadvantages posed by other currently available tests in the market.

Vaccination

Two types of vaccines, are available in the Indian market for cervical cancer [Ask your doctor for details]. Vaccination is given in three doses over a period of six months [offers lifelong immunity]. For the best protection, it is important to get all the three doses of the vaccination as per schedule. Vaccination also protects the women against HPV infections from different strains of the virus that might cause cervical cancer in the future. However, regular screening should be continued after vaccination to offer best possible protection against the cancer.

Source : CompleteWellBeing.com

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Categories:BLOG
Tags:CANCER WOMAN HEALTH

Dr. Girija Wagh

Dr. Girija Wagh, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), FICOG, FICP, Diploma (Endoscopy, Infertility), Fellowship of Indian College of Ob-Gynec, Women health care specialist, Academician, Acclaimed Orator & Researcher, B. J. Medical 1990-1992, Topper University Of Pune 1992

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Dt dt
Dt dt
09:17 05 Dec 19
We started consulting Dr Girija only in the third trimester of my pregnancy as we had to move cities at the time. Naturally, we were a little anxious about being able to find a good doctor. The first consultation itself revealed the Dr to be extremely thorough and meticulous - based on the way she asked us various questions on my case history. We knew we were in safe hands right then. Dr Girija and her assistant Dr Sonal explain various medical points in detail and in layman terms so that we are well informed.The Doctor's personalized approach made us feel like we were being treated by someone who has known us for ages and who really cares about us. Never once did we feel like just another number or another patient. Dr. Girija has a very positive approach and ensures you leave every meeting in high spirits and with increased confidence. A big thank you to Dr Girija and Dr Sonal for all the hand holding during my pregnancy journey and ensuring I had a safe delivery.
Minal Patil
Minal Patil
13:34 30 Nov 19
Girija madam is an amazing doctor. She has so much of experience and she is so loving which makes every interaction with her comfortable. She always gives full time and explains the steps which should be taken as part of her treatment and gives confidence. She shares many diet tips and other points so that medicines can be avoided as much as possible. She made my pregnancy journey very easy and smooth. I highly recommend Girija madam for gynec and pregnancy related things.
Harsha Gonnade
Harsha Gonnade
19:17 25 Nov 19
Dr. Girija and Dr. Sonal both are very polite and listen to patient very carefully. We got very good guidance and treatment from them.
Kamini Bankar
Kamini Bankar
09:02 24 Nov 19
I met with Dr Girija Wagh. She is very sweet kind of doctor who cares for her patients so much. Always she gives proper advices & Consultation to the patients. haven't seen such a lovely doctor.
Manav Verma
Manav Verma
09:41 02 Jul 19
Dr. Girija is not only an exceptional surgeon but a very nice person. She performed a hysterectomy on my mother and right from the OPD to the surgery, she kept us well informed and made us so comfortable that the whole process went through like a breeze. My mom also became friends with her and they chat post the surgery every now and then. God bless such exceptional doctors!! Thank you Ma'am.
Dipti Hapase Nakhle
Dipti Hapase Nakhle
07:22 02 Jul 19
Happy Doctor's day dear! My appointments with you 11 years ago are still fresh in my heart. I remember you could read my mind the moment I stepped in your room. Thank you for all you have done in my time of medical emergencies and being there all upright and ready to go. The wonderful words you had said about my baby as you handed her to me.. I always cherish and keeps me motivated. Thank you for being there and wish you tons of satisfaction and happiness in your good work.
Anushree Jain
Anushree Jain
17:10 01 Jul 19
Happy doctor's day ma'am. Your good care and guidance made the nine months of pregnancy the most wonderful phase of our life. And not just that, the postnatal care that I received from you has filled us with deep regard for you. You are a truly remarkable doctor who we have faith in and an incredible person whom we trust and respect.
Sanjana Vaidya
Sanjana Vaidya
16:51 01 Jul 19
Happy Doctor's day, Dr Wagh! It was pleasure to have known you and understand from you how simple and basic things can help anyone to give birth to a child naturally and nurture it.. thanks for sharing wealth of knowledge you have on this subject!
Pratibha Nair
Pratibha Nair
16:08 28 Jun 19
There are two special people in everyone's life who are next to God ,one is the mother and other is Doctor Who guides like a mother through the journey of pregnancy. You have been that second most important person in my babies life. Thank you mam for all the effort you put in and all the advice that you give into it to make it a normal delivery . You kept us updated about all the progress and test we have done during the whole pregnancy period. The most beautiful part of the delivery was when you kept the baby over mother to feel the warmth ( special touch), that moment was the most special moment of my life.
Shobha B
Shobha B
13:50 02 Jan 18
Was suffering from a chronic disease due to which had many unsuccessful pregnancies. Many senior doctors who we reached out were not competent enough to treat and sustain pregnancy and deliver baby. We finally got to meet Girija mam. She took all precautions to ensure that pregnancy progressed very well and gave us the life's most beautiful gift for which we waited for a long long time. Girija mam not just takes good care of her patients by taking all medical precautions but she also keeps filling in positive thoughts throughout pregnancy. She takes care of her every patient like a mother. For us she is second to god as my case very complicated and she handled very well pre and post delivery complications. She not just saved our baby she also saved me and I'm very thankful to her.
Apala Sen
Apala Sen
12:49 29 Dec 17
My experience with Dr. Girija Wagh is overwhelming. She is an excellent gynecologist. She is cheerful and always tries to create a positive environment whenever I visited her as a patient. I feel very easy to communicate my problem with her and she is always available for help even on whatApp if immediately needed. My experience with her so far is very smooth and satisfying.
Jayashree Jadhav
Jayashree Jadhav
10:31 11 Nov 17
Girija is a great gynaecologist and with great academic knowledge. She is my best friend. Important thing is that she is good human being. She is very much concerned about her patients. Very much caring and lovely doc.very much encouraging and enthusiastic lady.
shailesh yende
shailesh yende
10:35 02 Nov 17
Going through childbirth is a mix of immense pain followed by immense happiness for both the parents. Its not only mother who is under pressure or tense. Specially when there is history involved. In this journey, the presence of a wonderful doctor is simply priceless. A doctor with a lovely, caring and constructive heart is cherry on the icing. She is a great doctor, really does her best to rule out all options before anything major is assumed. I feel Medicines are just instrument to heal a person, but the comforting words of a doctor do a great job in healing one’s spirit. Without a doctor like you, We couldn’t have sailed through the rough days!!! Thank you. PS: We both meant each and every word stated above from the bottom of out heart.
Bharti Goyal
Bharti Goyal
13:19 28 Jul 17
Going through childbirth is a mix of immense pain followed by immense happiness. In this journey, the presence of a wonderful doctor is simply priceless. Thanks doctor, for comforting me and taking away all my stress . Thank you so much for the difference you make in the lives of your patients! Your kindness, sincere caring, and concern make everything better and are a great encouragement. Every day of my life will be better because of you. Thank you is not nearly enough. You take the time to listen and to make your patients feel valued and respected, treating others as you would want to be treated. Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being.
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