Poonam Pandey Dies Of Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer: Understanding, Prevention, and Treatment – Insights into Poonam Pandey’s Tragic Battle and India’s Push for Vaccination

Model actor Poonam Pandey passed away on Friday at the age of 32 due to cervical cancer, which is a common type of cancer in women in India. Cervical cancer ranks eighth globally and is the ninth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Last year, there were 661,044 new cases and 348,186 deaths reported.

Cervical cancer develops in the lower part of the uterus, called the cervix, and is often preceded by cell changes known as dysplasia. These abnormal cells can spread and lead to cancer, mainly caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. While the body’s immune system can eliminate some HPV infections, high-risk types like HPV 16 and HPV 18 can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Common symptoms of cervical cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding, post-coital bleeding, bleeding between periods or after menopause, and pelvic pain during intercourse. Detecting cervical cancer can be done through a pap test, which can identify cancer cells or abnormal cells that may become cancerous. Screening should begin as early as 21 to 29 years, with intervals of three to five years based on results.

Cervical cancer is preventable and curable, especially if detected early. Vaccination against HPV is a crucial preventive measure, and India’s first HPV vaccine, Cervavac, targeting four types of HPV infections, was launched in January 2023.

Treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In an effort to promote prevention, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced during the Budget 2024-25 speech that the government encourages vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 against cervical cancer.

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