Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is related to the cervix that is the lower part of the uterus connecting the vagina. Any abnormal growth of the cells in that part of the body leads to cancer.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

Some common symptoms are:

• Unusual bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause.
• Abnormal smelly vaginal discharge that is different from the usual one.
• Pelvis pain that is sharp and distinct.
• Frequent urination and pain while urinating.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.

Prevention

As it is said that prevention is better than cure so, to do that it is recommended to get regular screening for cervical cancer.

Screening tests are required on regular basis to be able to catch the early stages of cancer or to detect pre-cancers prior to their becoming invasive cancer. For this purpose Pap test (or Pap smear) and the human papillomavirus (HPV) test are recommended or carried out for diagnosis or detection.

Apart from this it is recommended to get a shot of HPV vaccine if the female is still eligible.

Vaccination and Cost

Two injections of the HPV vaccine are administered six months apart on the upper arm of the person. Both the doses are necessary.

In India the vaccine costs between 2000-3000 per shot depending on the clinic that is administering it.

Who should get the vaccine shot?

The vaccine is affective during adolescence and therefore it is recommended for girls who have reached their puberty as often in some countries many girls become sexually active at a young age. 13 is therefore a recommended age and the vaccine is affective or can be administered till the age of 26. After that the vaccine may not provide prevention against cervical cancer as the medical fraternity does not recommend getting a shot beyond the age of 26 for an adult.