National Cancer Awareness Day: Cancer diseases are usually not detected in the early stages because people are not that aware about tests and screening. 

Role of Early Detection in Improving Cancer Survival Rates: Early detection of this disease makes treatment more effective and the chances of recovery are higher. Early detection of certain types of cancer, such as HPV-related cancers, can be life saving. Human Papillomavirus is the leading cause of cervical cancer, accounting for about 99% of cases, and is associated with other cancers affecting both men and women.

Cervical cancer remains the third most common cancer among women in India, accounting for 18.3% of cases, causing approximately 342,000 global deaths each year. However, due to its long-lasting pre-cancerous stage, HPV-related cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through vaccination and routine screening.

The importance of routine screening for HPV

According to renowned oncologist Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovative Officer (Metropolis Healthcare), cervical cancer often does not show any symptoms in its early stages, but symptoms like irregular bleeding or discomfort appear when it progresses. Routine screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, are important to identify precancerous changes before they develop into cancer.

Screening guidelines recommend women over the age of 30 undergo high-risk HPV testing or Pap-HPV testing every 5 years, which helps detect the virus in combination with a Pap smear analysis for cell abnormalities. This combination test, or co-test, is effective in detecting early-stage abnormalities, allowing timely intervention before cancer strikes.

Advances in cancer screening 

Advances in technology have greatly improved the diagnosis of cervical cancer. Newer methods such as liquid-based cytology (LBC) and HPV DNA testing offer high sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy.

Dr. Kirti Chadha said that for example, in our experience over the last decade, we have seen a linear increase in LBC testing and a fourfold increase in abnormality detection, reflecting the impact of these advances. Precision molecular HPV tests, including DNA and mRNA analysis, allow accurate detection of high-risk virus strains, thereby enhancing prevention efforts.

Ways to prevent cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set out an ambitious strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. This includes 90% HPV vaccine coverage for girls by age 15, 70% screening for women by age 35 and 45, and treatment of 90% of precancerous and cancerous cases. Meeting these goals could drastically reduce rates of HPV-related cancers worldwide.

Despite advances in screening and vaccination, the lack of willingness to get tested regularly remains a challenge. Public awareness campaigns emphasise the importance of regular testing and preventive care. The recent introduction of 'self collection kits' may help address the challenge of lack of active testing among women.

Ease of access to testing may encourage more women to get tested, allowing cells to be detected before they turn into cancer. Empowering individuals to be proactive with HPV vaccination and regular screening is vital to reducing cases of HPV-related cancers and ensuring a healthier future for women.

(Disclaimer: Dear reader, thank you for reading this news. This news has been written only to make you aware. We have taken the help of home remedies and general information in writing this. If you read anything related to your health anywhere, then definitely consult a doctor before adopting it.)