Cancer!
Few words in the dictionary can send shivers through your spine, and “cancer” comes at the top.
Not every commoner understands the pathophysiology behind this dreaded phenomenon of uncontrolled cellular replication, but they sure know that they want nothing to do with it, and rightfully so.
We have advanced leaps and bounds in the medical field, but when it comes to cancer- it still does not have the best prognosis, owing to multiple factors like drug resistance, late diagnosis, and multifactorial pathogenesis.
Most cancers in the lung and kidneys are still the ones that most times come out victorious when they are at war with our bodies.
But there is one, with a beautiful history in the favour of mankind, owing only to human interventions; an example that reflects a ray of hope, cervical cancer.
From a time when cervical cancer used to pride itself on taking most female lives in developed and developing nations alike, due to its sheer high prevalence relatively and high probabilistic exposure to its risk factors (the HPV strains 16,18,31, and 33), today we have entered an era where there is unshakable proof that mankind can defeat this cancer of the female genital tract.
“The same path that paves way for life, on no earth should mean the end of a woman’s life herself”.
In developed nations like the USA, cervical cancer has not only declined in incidence, but the detected cases are also cured permanently. This incredible revolution was made possible only because of conscious human efforts, a better understanding of what was going wrong, and a subsequent change in behaviour of the general population, regulated by updated medical guidelines.
Coming to the question; what can we do?
1. The key is screening!
Screening for cervical cancer involves periodic visualisation of the histological appearance at the cervicocolumnar junction of the cervix (mostly using a Pap smear) to detect early dysplastic changes; scientifically better known as CIN (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia). Early detection helps to identify the lesion at a stage when it can be excised, leaving most of the normal tissue intact while simultaneously ensuring there is no residual risk of malignancy.
What is most important to understand here is that screening happens when one is healthy, not diseased. Otherwise, the very purpose of screening is defeated; and the change must begin from within each of our homes.
So, the next time our mothers and sisters convey they are doubtful regarding a relevant symptom they are experiencing, do not tell them “Oh! It is probably nothing”. Ask them to go get screened and be a part of this teal-coloured revolution against cervical cancer.
2. The next big piece of the puzzle is vaccination.
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers which is significantly preventable by vaccination. As of now, the basket of vaccines available comprises a tetravalent and a divalent option sold under the brand names; Gardasil and Cervarix in India, respectively. Both can be voluntarily opted for. The vaccine is made using recombinant viral particles, hence, risk of infection by the vaccine is out of question. The combination of vaccination and periodic screening has proven to be no less than magic in imagining a cervical cancer free world.
3. The last part of the puzzle and not the least is protection!
However lucky you might be, if you play with the odds long enough- you shall land on the side that loses someday. What could be better than to avoid contacting the dreaded HPV in the first place?
Barrier protection does exactly that. So, condoms are not just to avoid any unwanted pregnancy, it is as much beneficial for your health. Although cervix only exists in females, that does not mean HPV does not infect males. Emphasise on vaccination and barrier protection is equally crucial for both the sexes to end this cancerous battle.
We read about cervical cancer in our books, but does that mean we understand it only to pass our exams?
In the end, it all comes down to realising that we, as healthcare professionals and considerate human beings towards our bodies, have much greater responsibility to practically apply these three simple yet effective measures to fight off the real menace, that even today costs millions of lives.
And the fact that we have proof that we can win this war, makes it only more worthwhile.
By Dr. Avi Singh
Vice Overall Chairperson Internal (VOCI)
AMSA, India
&
Chapter Representative for India (JAMSA)
AMSA, International