Every nine minutes one Indian woman loses her battle to cervical cancer. India accounts for approximately 20% of HPV related cancers worldwide. Mortality rate of HPV related cancers is 60%. Dr. Suman Singh (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Birthright by Rainbow Hospital, Bannerghatta Road) said, Cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus, it begins in the cervix which is the lower part of the uterus. Here there is uncontrolled growth of the cells which displaces normal healthy tissue causing abnormal intermenstrual/post coital bleeding and discharge. Ultimately it spreads to the surrounding structures leading to morbidity and death. The early cervical cancer usually has no signs which are why screening is so important. Those who are symptomatic will have vaginal spotting or bleeding after sexual intercourse, in between menstrual cycles or after menopause and they may also have foul smelling discharge which does not go away even after treatment.
