“Prevention is better than cure”- We all agree on this. In this era of COVID, a healthy lifestyle is a must. Apart from COVID, let us not forget the previous health challenges and battles to achieve cure for some of the deadly diseases like cancer and HIV. Today, we are going to talk about one such deadly and most prevalent disease which is called “cervical cancer.” 

Here is some good news for all the ladies! Cervical cancer vaccine is now available to prevent this type of cancer. Before, we give you all the information about cervical cancer vaccine, let us give you a sneak peek into the cervical cancer issue. 

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is cancer which attacks the cells of the cervix. Cervix is the lowermost part of the uterus

Prevalence of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the third most prevalent and common cancer worldwide in women after breast cancer. In India, it is noted that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women. 

Incidence of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer has common prevalence among sexually active girls of reproductive age group. It may also occur in sexually active teenagers. 

How is cervical cancer caused?

Cervical cancer is caused by chronic infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a sexually transmitted disease. 

What are the benefits of the HPV vaccine?

The benefits of HPV vaccine are as follows- 

• Protection against cervical cancers

• Prevention of cervical cancer in early age group 

• Effective against genital warts 

• Extended protection against other cancers such as anal, vulval, vaginal, oropharyngeal, head and neck cancers

Studies have shown that HPV vaccines are nearly 100% effective in preventing cervical cancer caused by HPV viruses and also provides extended protection against vulvar and vaginal cancers. 

Cervical cancer vaccine update 

Here is the news update about cervical cancer vaccine - 

According to the reports, it is confirmed that many women are prone to cervical cancer in India at an early age as well as elderly age group. For this, research has been done and a new cervical cancer vaccine is coming into existence which will later be available this year. The name of the vaccine is CERVAVAC which provides immunoprotective effects against HPV (Human Papillomavirus).

Regular monitoring for cervical cancer prevention is a must

The regular monitoring of cervical cancer prevention can be done with regular screening which is well known to us as PAP test- Papanicolaou Test. This test helps detect cancer at the precancerous stage before it eventually becomes positive for cervical cancer. It is especially recommended in every woman and females of all age groups who are sexually active. This test must be done every 2 years to prevent cervical cancer.