One celeb's death from cervical cancer may have become a public spectacle. But over 75,000 Indians die from the same disease every year. MiD DAY tells you how to detect it early
One celeb's death from cervical cancer may have become a public spectacle. But over 75,000 Indians die from the same disease every year. MiD DAY tells you how to detect it early
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| The primary symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, heavy menstrual discharge and disturbance in the cycle, pelvic pain -u00a0Dr Munish Gairola, consultant radiation oncologist, SMH Curie Cancer Centre |
One should take a healthy diet with fibres and functional foods, apart from quitting smoking and exercisingu00a0 - Ishi Khosla, wellness expert |
What makes this cancer so dangerous and unpredictable is its asymptomatic natureu00a0there are no signs in its early stages. And whatever is visible in primary stage, is generally neglected by people, which leads to complication and further deterioration of the condition.
According to Dr Munish Gairola, consultant radiation oncologist, SMH Curie Cancer Centre, "Eight women die because of cervical cancer every minute in India. The primary symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, heavy menstrual discharge, pelvic pain and disturbance in the menstrual cycle in women. The symptoms are generally mistaken as post-menstrual symptoms or ovulation pains."
The cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which results in the growth of abnormal cells in the cervix.u00a0 Studies have shown that the average age of a patient affected by the disease has been reduced from 40-45 years to 33-35 years.
Have safe sex, loads of veggies
With safe sex and a healthy diet mainly consisting of fibres you can cut the risk of developing this deadly disease. Some of the precautions highlighted by Rohit Nayyar, Consultant (Surgical Oncology), Apollo Hospital, are, "Women should avoid sexual intercourse with multiple partners, avoid improper hygiene condition and take note of unusual discharges during their menstrual cycle which trigger the spread of this deadly virus. Pap smears, too, are a must."
Having a weak immune system and smoking cigarettes increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
"One should take a healthy diet with fibres and functional foods, apart from quitting smoking and exercising vigorously," said wellness expert Ishi Khosla.
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