Keep it wholesome
- February 21, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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 —
- The human eye, a dilution of white vinegar
- 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.