What is Cervical Cancer? Poonam Pandey’s Death Highlights Cervical Cancer Challenges

NEW DELHI – The recent passing of actor-model Poonam Pandey due to cervical cancer, just a day after the government emphasized the need to vaccinate girls in the 9-14 age group in the Budget, has brought attention to the challenges posed by the disease in India. Cervical cancer has a high mortality rate in the country, primarily attributed to difficulties in early detection.

Poonam Pandey, known for her role in the 2013 movie ‘Nasha,’ was diagnosed with the last stage of cervical cancer, according to her manager. The delayed detection of cervical cancer is a significant factor contributing to the high death rate in India.

“Cervical cancer frequently remains unnoticed in its early stages, resulting in a delayed diagnosis and unfavorable outcomes, making it particularly deadly,” stated Dr. Raj Vardhan, OSD Chairman at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital.

Understanding Cervical Cancer and HPV:

Cervical cancer primarily affects the cells lining the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. It is commonly contracted through sexual intercourse. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV can be transmitted during sex and often shows no symptoms, making early detection challenging.

Symptoms may take years to manifest after exposure to someone carrying an HPV infection, contributing to the difficulty in timely identification.

Cervical Cancer Burden in India:

Cervical cancer is the second most frequent malignancy among women in India after breast cancer, particularly affecting middle-aged women. In 2022, India recorded 1,23,907 cervical cancer cases, resulting in 77,348 deaths.

Comparatively, India has the highest burden of cervical cancer in Asia, followed by China, as indicated by a Lancet study. In 2022, globally, 6,04,127 cases of cervical cancer were reported, with India accounting for 21% of the total cases.

Poonam Pandey’s demise has underscored the urgent need for increased awareness, early detection, and preventive measures against cervical cancer, shedding light on the broader public health challenge faced by women in India.

Why Cervical Cancer Detection Poses Challenges in India: Experts Weigh In

Detecting cervical cancer presents unique challenges, as highlighted by experts in the wake of actor-model Poonam Pandey’s recent demise due to the disease. Dr. Vandana Jain, Head of Gynaecology, Surgical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), emphasized a crucial aspect contributing to the difficulty in detection: the 10–15 year span between HPV infection and cancer development.

“Even though 80-90% of sexually active women may carry the HPV virus, the immune system typically clears it within two to three years. However, persistent infection, especially with high-risk strains like HPV 16 and 18, can lead to cervical cancer,” explained Dr. Jain.

Cervical cancer faces cultural stigma in India, leading to a reluctance among women to undergo screenings, particularly in rural areas with limited access to healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Raj Vardhan, OSD Chairman at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, highlighted the burden of cervical cancer in such locations, attributing it to inadequate healthcare facilities, cultural taboos, and a lack of awareness.

Challenges in HPV Vaccination Coverage:

While experts welcomed the government’s initiative to provide free vaccinations for girls aged nine to 14, they stressed the importance of increasing access to screening and public awareness.

“Though vaccination doesn’t provide complete protection, it will help in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the country,” noted Dr. Jain.

Dr. Ishwar Gilada, an infectious disease specialist and president of the AIDS Society of India, highlighted the poor coverage of HPV vaccination in India. He pointed out that only around 1% of eligible females receive the vaccine, citing challenges such as import dependence and a monopoly by certain pharmaceutical companies.

Efforts to address these challenges include not only expanding vaccination coverage but also enhancing screening programs, raising awareness, and overcoming cultural barriers. As the government focuses on preventive measures, experts stress the need for comprehensive strategies to combat cervical cancer effectively.