Keep it wholesome

Keep it wholesome

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Health

Context:

National cervical cancer control scheme must be made accessible to all.

Cervical Cancer:

• Cancer of the cervix (i.e. neck of the womb) is unique among cancers because almost all the cases (99%, according to the World Health Organization) are linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
• While most HPV infections resolve spontaneously and women remain symptom-free.
• However persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer.

Present status of cervical cancer: 

It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in India (over 77,000 annually), and is estimated to be the second most frequent cancer among Indian women between 15 and 44 years.

Approach needed:

Health is seldom uni-dimensional and Government policy must fathom the entirety of the issue and assimilate multiple aspects in a field strategy, for optimum realisation of the intended goal.

Issues involved: 

The average national prevalence of cervical cancer screening hovers at just under 2% and outcomes depend on the stage of detection.

Solution of issue:

Early diagnosis:

Cervical cancer can be easily diagnosed in a public health setting with minimal tools —

1. The human eye, a dilution of white vinegar
2. A dab of Lugol’s iodine.

These are known as VIA and VILI tests.

Benefits: 

• Precancerous lesions and cancer can be seen much before an advanced stage of the disease along with cytology.

Next step: 

• Simple, short procedure, cryotherapy
• can then be done to destroy the abnormal growth.
• But given that it is easy to prevent, identify and treat cervical cancer.

It is unacceptable that so many women are dying of the disease

The availability of a vaccine as pre-cautionary measure. 

• Interim Budget announcement:
• The government plans to encourage vaccination against cervical cancer for girls aged nine to 14, is a step in the right direction.
• It is unlikely that vaccination of young girls alone will have a far-reaching impact in the short and medium term.
• Along with Vaccinating. Govt must also mandate screening right at the primary health centre, and if abnormalities are identified, offer cryotherapy right then.

Need of the hour: 

A detailed programme is still awaited, A wholesome programme must include assimilate screening aspect.

Long-lasting solution (way ahead):

• The only way to prevent deaths is to deploy the entire assembly of tools as part of a national cervical cancer control programme, accessible to all women, irrespective of age, education, affordability or social status.