Cancer has become a public health concern in India, affecting nearly every family. Despite the greatest attempts, most malignancies are detected at advanced stages, resulting in poor outcomes.
There is rising evidence about the proven usefulness of cancer prevention techniques and screening tools in detecting cancer at an early stage for better survival.
vaccines are available, which can reduce the risk of liver and cervical malignancies, respectively. Cervical and other cancers are reduced with
vaccinations. Cervarix, Gardasil, and Gardasil 9 are the
that are now available.
WHO currently recommends one or two doses for girls aged nine to 17 years, one or two doses for girls and women aged 15 to 20 years, and two doses with a six-month gap for women over 21 years. Gardasil 9, which protects against nine subtypes of HPV and provides 100 percent protection, is indicated for all eligible age groups at 0, 2, and 6 months (three doses) (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
WHO updates recommendations on HPV vaccination schedule
Go to source
).
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It is strongly advised that you get an HPV vaccination because the virus is a risk factor for five malignancies in women that are avoidable. Screening, which refers to the use of basic tests in a healthy population without symptoms to discover the disease early, allows for early diagnosis and prevention. It is currently a proven life-saving treatment for breast, cervical, lung, and colorectal malignancies (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Cervical cancer in India and HPV vaccination
Go to source
).
How do you Detect Cancer at an Early Stage?
The age group recommendations are as follows:
21-39 years
: Those with a family history of breast or colon cancer are advised to begin screening as soon as possible if their risk is higher than usual. Cervical cancer screening should begin at the age of 25, with primary HPV testing every five years or co-testing with HPV DNA + Paps tests every five years or Paps tests every three years.
40-65 years
: Individuals at average risk can begin screening for colon cancer at age 45, with yearly stool-based testing, colonoscopies every ten years, and sigmoidoscopies every five years. Yearly mammography is suggested for women aged 45 to 54, and then every two years for breast cancer screening. Cervical cancer screening should begin with primary HPV testing every five years, followed by co-testing with HPV DNA + Paps tests every five years or Paps tests every three years. Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is advised after 50 years for people who have smoked for 20 pack years.
More than 65 yearsup to 75 years
: colon cancer screening and cervical cancer screening for 10 years with regular testing until negative results.
Up to 80 years
: Screening for lung cancer is required for people up to 80 years old.
Cancer screening is an important public health strategy that improves outcomes, but many people do not even attempt to approach healthcare facilities.
Prevention is Better than Cure
References :
- WHO updates recommendations on HPV vaccination schedule – (https://www.who.int/news/item/20-12-2022-WHO-updates-recommendations-on-HPV-vaccination-schedule)
- Cervical cancer in India and HPV vaccination – (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22754202/)
- Smokeless tobacco (paan and gutkha) consumption, prevalence, and contribution to oral cancer – (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5543298/)
- Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight – (https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/index.html)
Source: Medindia
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