Vaccine is enough to prevent cervical cancer, is this a myth or truth? Dr. gave information

Director Research (Oncology), MedGenome Dr. Thangarajan Rajkumar The Cervical Cancer Institute said that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women. More than 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by chronic human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, of which HPV 16 and HPV 18 are the main causes.

Myth 1: I don't have any pain, so I don't have cancer.

fact: There may be pain during sex or pelvic pain, but pain usually begins when the cancer has reached an advanced stage. Therefore, the symptom of pain should not be relied upon to diagnose cancer.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

According to the doctor, it is important to recognize its early symptoms. Its symptoms include vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause, bleeding after sex, pain during sex, and vaginal discharge that changes color or smell.

Myth 2: I have taken all the doses of the HPV vaccine, so I do not need to be tested for cervical cancer.

fact: Most vaccines protect against the two common 'high-risk' HPV subtypes – 16 and 18. But other subtypes can also cause cancer. So it's important to get tested regularly.

Myth 3: A positive HPV test means I have cervical cancer.

fact: After a positive result, further testing is necessary to identify precancerous tumors. Therefore, it is important to continue HPV testing every one to two years to assess the persistence of such tumors. In most women (more than 95%), their immune system clears high-risk HPV infections on its own.

But if the same high-risk lump persists, the cervix is ​​examined with the help of a special instrument called a colposcopy. If the examination detects a precancerous lump, its treatment is started immediately.

Timely identification is essential

If cervical cancer is detected on time, more than 95 out of 100 women are completely cured if it is in the first stage. If it reaches the third stage, only 50 out of 100 women are cured. But if the cancer spreads to other organs, then its treatment is hardly possible.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.