60 Teachers Take Part In Health Talk Organize By Max Hospital

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 27^th January:-- As many as 60 teachers took part in a health talk on 'Cervical cancer & other gynaecological problems' organized by Max Super Speciality Hospital Mohali as part of its outreach programme at Blue Bird High School, Sector 16, Panchkula today.

Addressing teachers, Dr. Seema Sharma, Sr Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, MSSH said that Indian ranked no 1 in cervical cancer deaths in the world. We were at a high risk of developing cervical cancer. In fact, around 10 women die of this cancer every hour in South East Asia, of which 8 of them were from India. Cervical cancer has become the most common cancer among women in India with 1, 00,000 new cases reported every year in the country. She said cervical cancer was potentially curable if detected early due to its long pre-cancer state that might extend from 7-10 years. It was the best example of cancer prevention. Also the abnormal cells shed from the cervix could be easily picked up during the screening by a Pap smear test.

Explaining the risk factors involved in this kind of cancer, Dr Sharma stated that the chances of getting cervical cancer increased in case of  multiple sexual partners, promiscuous partner, early age of first coital experience, early child bearing, prior history of sexually transmitted diseases, long term usage of oral contraceptives, cigarette smoking, immunodeficiency and most importantly viral infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Talking about the symptoms, Dr. Sharma said woman should seek medical guidance in case of abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after menopause, bleeding following coitus or pelvic examination or increased vaginal discharge. The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy.