World Cancer Day : TN women continue to shy away from cervical cancer screening

“Though it has claimed many lives, cervical cancer can be treated effectively if detected early through pap smear test,” said Dr Indumathy K, an oncologist, who said she receives at least six cases every day. “The women are very shy to open up, and it takes a lot of questioning before we can trace the history. Getting rid of this taboo will make detection easier and can also serve to reduce the huge burden of this disease,” she added.

On World Cancer Day, doctors urged women above 20 years to go for pap smear tests every three years for early diagnosis.  “Cervical cancer does not reveal any symptoms during the initial phase. The symptoms which are eventually seen include vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, discharge of watery or thick liquid with foul odour, pelvic pain, increased need to urinate and pain during urination. Early detection is the only way to avoid reaching this stage,” added Dr Rajashree S, another cancer specialist. 

According to the World Health Organisation, cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of death due to cancer among women. This is particularly pronounced in developing countries – India alone accounts for a third of such cases globally, with two women dying every 15 minutes. “Even with such worrying figures, screening is not taken very seriously. Women are not the only ones to be blamed; doctors, too, need to stress on increased availability of screening facilities,” said Samu J, a researcher.