Cervical cancer: Why is the centre planning new schemes for women?

New Delhi: The central health ministry has launched a comprehensive plan, including vaccinations, to fight the rising number of cervical cancer cases in the country. The ministry officials stated that the action plan for this project, including financial assistance, would be announced in the Union Budget slated for February 1. Cervical cancer refers to the growth of cells in the lower part of the uterus, called the cervix.

Besides the shocking rise in the number of cervical cancer cases, more than 80,000 deaths are also being reported every year in India. The plan has been formulated by considering all these factors. Cervical cancer has become a significant public health issue in India, with one woman dying from the disease every eight minutes, says the National Institute of Cancer Prevention report.

Costly vaccination
Cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccinations at the right time. However, a dose of the vaccine costs at least Rs 2,000. Last year’s budget announced that the government would strongly promote vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among girls aged 9-14. A few states, including Kerala, had taken steps to provide vaccinations for the students free of cost.

Meanwhile, the states, as well as many medical institutes, including AIIMS, have urged the centre to include them in the HPV universal vaccination scheme, as they cannot afford the high cost of the vaccine. The budget may also announce a new project under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to screen women over 30 for pap smear, HPV DNA testing, and co-testing every 5 years. These screening tests would help detect cancer at an early stage. 

Who shouldn't take the HPV vaccine?
1) Pregnant women
2) Those who have experienced reactions to previous doses
3) Those who aren't healthy

How to prevent cervical cancer?
1) Take safe sex measures to prevent infections. Use condoms and limit the number of sexual partners.
2) Avoid smoking, as the habit increases infection risk in those who use tobacco.
3) Routine Pap tests, from the age of 21 and repeated every few years, can monitor HPV infections.
4) Consider taking the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for people between the ages of 9 and 45.
(With inputs from Onmanorama Staff)