A massive stunt on Cervical Cancer by Indian Model: What is Cervical Cancer?

 An Indian model and actress, Poonam Pandey sparked the whole nation and the internet by faking her death in an Instagram post. The cause of her death was mentioned as Cervical Cancer by her manager who claimed to be handling her social media profiles. A day later, she came in front of the camera with another Instagram video claiming that she’s alive and faked her death to spread awareness about cervical cancer.

Many concluded it was a publicity stunt and others concluded it was an awareness campaign. What is it? Was it stupidity or is the new way of spreading awareness? What about those who are already suffering from cervical cancer who might have felt sad? Okay, all that does matter, but that’s for another story. Today, we’re here to know more about cervical cancer.

What matters is, we knowing - What is cervical cancer? Can you know if you have cervical cancer? What causes it? Can you prevent from falling for cervical cancer? Is it curable? Let’s delve in.

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

In basic dialect, cervical cancer is the growth of cells that start in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (where the foetus grows), that connects to the vagina.

Anyone having a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs in females and most oftenly in women above the age of 30.

WHAT CAUSES CERVICAL CANCER?

HPV(Human Papillomavirus) is the cause of cervical cancer. The human papillomavirus is a common virus that spreads from one person to another during sexual intercourse. HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection which people get it in their lives and have no symptoms. You can’t tell whether you have it without a proper diagnosis as there are no visible symptoms. However, most of the time, HPV goes on its own. In some cases, there is a chance that it causes cervical cancer. So the primary cause of cervical cancer or we can say that the root cause for cervical cancer is HPV, a STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER

At its early age, the cervical cancer might not cause any symptoms. However, as the tumour grows, it might show some signs and symptoms, such as:

1. Vaginal pain and bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause.

2. Heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than usual.

3. Foul-smelling watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy.

4. Pelvic and back pain.

If you observe all these symptoms, you should seek the help of your doctor because it is required to get diagnosed early.

TREATMENT OF CERVICAL CANCER

Cancer care treatment requires a lot of patience, hope, and various health care professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and counsellors.

The treatment of cervical cancer depends on various factors, type and stage of cancer and by considering the side effects.

The diagnosis of cervical cancer concerns infertility and sexual functions as treatment can affect fertility in mothers.

Common treatments for cervical cancer include:-

1. Radiation therapy: 

It involves the use of various radiations like x-rays and other rays to destroy the cancerous cells. Side effects may include fatigue, skin reactions, and loose bowel movements.

2. Chemotherapy: 

It involves drugs for destroying cancer cells by preventing cancer cells from multiplying. Side effects depend upon the dose of the drug. It causes fatigue, nausea, hearing loss, and kidney damage.

3. Immunotherapy:

It maintains the immunity system of the body in such a way that the body itself can fight against cervical cancer. Conditions are created to stimulate or supress the body’s immune system to help it fight the cancer cells.

4. Surgery: 

The surgery can remove cancerous cells and soft tissues around the cervix.

PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER

A well-known saying various diseases - “prevention is better than cure”, also applies to cervical cancer. A few steps can help you save from not attracting the cervical cancer.

1. Get vaccinated: 

The first and foremost step to prevent cancer is vaccination. The human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV vaccine) protects the person from various types of cancer caused by vaginal and cervical cancer.

1) The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens aged 11–12. 

2) If not vaccinated, it can be taken at age 26.

2. Use protection: The use of condoms and other protective measures can prevent the risk of cervical cancer, as HPV is transmitted through unsafe sexual intercourse.

Diagnosing the Cervical Cancer

The below screening tests can help find the cancer cells in your body:

1. PAP test or the PAP smear test
2. HPV test (Human papillomavirus testing)
3. VIA test (Visual inspection on acetic acidx)
4. LBC (Liquid based cytology)

To know more, read NCBI.

TAKEAWAY:

Cervical cancer is mostly caused by HPV. Early-stage cancer might not have symptoms and that is why most people neglect it. However, to be safe, it is necessary to get diagnosed and treated on time. A few measures such as using a protection before sex, getting vaccinated, etc., can help prevent cervical cancer. Feel safe to consult a doctor and discuss your conditions for more details.

The team at Lifenatphil is unaware of the exposure or public antics used by celebrities, but we are aware that cervical cancer is a serious condition that requires attention. 

Cancer fighters, we are with you!

~ Yours Alpana Chandel