Fight cervical cancer
Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is the commonest cancer amongst Indian women. Out of 10 women dying of cervical cancer every hour in South Asia, 8 of them are in India. Cervix cancer occupies the top rank among cancers in women in most developing countries, constituting 34% of all women's cancers. On a global scale, India carries one fifth of the world burden: the estimated annual global incidence is 500,000, India contributes 100,000. The magnitude of the problem is thus more than evident. Here's all you need to know to protect yourself.
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What is cervical cancer?
No, it has nothing to do with your neck or your spinal column. Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix, the lower part of the uterus, connects the body of the uterus to the vagina. The normal cervix is a healthy pink in colour. It is covered with scale-like cells called squamous cells. The cervical canal is lined with another kind of cell called columnar cells. The area where the two cells meet-the squamocolumnar junction and transformation zone (Tone)- is the likeliest spot for abnormal cell growth. The T-zone is more exposed in the case of young women (teens and those in their 20s), making them more susceptible to cervical infections.
How do I find out if I have it?
In its earliest stages, cervical cancer is difficult to detect because there are no obvious symptoms. Irregular bleeding, bleeding or pain during sex, or vaginal discharge, chronic low backache -symptoms associated with cervical cancer-appear when the disease is in an advanced stage. If you have any of these symptoms, do not ignore it. See a doctor immediately to rule out cancer.
Text: Prevention
Image: Getty Images
