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Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in India. India accounts for a quarter of cervical cancer deaths worldwide, primarily due to diagnoses occurring at advanced stages. Shockingly, in India, a woman dies from cervical cancer every two minutes. This cancer is widespread, and to handle it, we rely on three approaches: prevention, treatment, and early detection. Screening plays a crucial role in its management, and India has developed plans aimed at implementing it. The issue of cancer in India is complex and impacts society as well as the healthcare system. It is linked to cultural beliefs, stigma, and feelings of shame, meaning that women and those in rural areas are affected more severely. The societal taboos surrounding women’s health and reproductive issues hinder open conversations, limiting women's access to timely medical care. In India, cervical cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to a mixture of social, systemic, and healthcare barriers.
Low and inconsistent screening rates: Many women aged 30 to 65 who should be screened either have never been tested or have only been tested once. Most screening happens only when an opportunity arises, causing early stages of the disease to go unnoticed due to the low likelihood of regular screenings.
Stigma and cultural restrictions: Cervical cancer affects reproductive organs, which are still viewed as delicate subjects in many communities. Fear, shame, and embarrassment significantly deter women from undergoing pelvic examinations. Conversations about gynecological issues are often sidestepped. As a result, individuals delay seeking help until symptoms worsen.
Limited autonomy in health-seeking for women: In various regions of India, particularly rural areas, women often require permission from family members to visit a doctor. Health concerns take a backseat to household duties, and preventive healthcare is viewed as something that can be postponed.
Lack of awareness and education: In India, inadequate awareness and education, especially in rural regions, cause many women to seek medical attention only after symptoms appear.
Misunderstandings about risk: Many women believe they do not need screening. The idea that being monogamous and having children lowers the risk leads many eligible women to skip routine screenings.
Early-stage cervical cancer often shows no symptoms: Women usually seek help only when they experience continuous unusual vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or pelvic discomfort. By this time, the cancer is often at a more advanced stage.
Healthcare system weaknesses: Some frontline workers lack the necessary knowledge, which leads to delays in referrals and follow-ups after a positive screening result. These shortcomings enable the disease to progress from early stages.
The government can overcome these long-lasting challenges by enhancing awareness, making screening more accessible in communities, and incorporating cervical cancer checks into standard women’s healthcare. It is crucial to ensure that every eligible woman receives timely screenings and follow-ups to prevent unnecessary deaths from a largely preventable disease.
