Cervical Cancer Awareness Workshop Held in Vadodara
A cervical cancer awareness workshop was recently organised in Vadodara, Gujarat, bringing together women, healthcare professionals, and community members. The event was covered by Sandesh News — one of Gujarat's widely read newspapers — highlighting the growing importance of spreading awareness about this preventable disease.
Dr. Nikhila Pachani, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist based in Rajkot, was among the participants supporting this health awareness initiative.
Why Cervical Cancer Awareness Matters
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. Each year, more than 1.25 lakh women are diagnosed, and over 77,000 deaths are reported. In recent years, the number of cases has been rising — and the main reason is a lack of awareness.
Most women do not recognise the early warning signs. This means the disease is often caught only at an advanced stage, when it is much harder to treat.
What Are the Early Signs?
Early cervical cancer may cause:
- Bleeding between periods or after menopause
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Unusual vaginal discharge (change in colour or odour)
- Pelvic pain or discomfort during intercourse
The important point: early-stage cervical cancer can be completely treated. The key is not to wait for pain — pain is often a late symptom.
The Role of HPV
Over 99% of cervical cancer cases are linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — a virus that can stay in the body for a long time. Among its many strains, HPV 16 and HPV 18 are considered the highest risk.
Two important steps every woman should know:
- HPV Vaccine — Protects against the high-risk strains (HPV 16 and 18). It works best when given before exposure.
- HPV Test / Pap Smear — Should be done at least once every two years. In women with a strong immune system, the body may clear the infection on its own. But if a high-risk strain persists, a colposcopy may be recommended for further evaluation.
Simple Steps, Strong Protection
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be largely prevented through vaccination and detected early through regular screening. Spreading this knowledge — especially in communities across Gujarat — is the goal of events like this Vadodara workshop.
If you have any concerns about your health or wish to understand your risk factors better, please consult a qualified gynaecologist or your family doctor. Early conversations save lives.