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Role of early detection in improving cancer survival rates: Early detection of this disease makes treatment more effective and chances of recovery are higher. Early detection of some types of cancer, such as HPV-related cancer, can be life-saving. Human papillomavirus is the leading cause of cervical cancer, accounting for approximately 99% of cases, and is linked to other cancers affecting both men and women.
Cervical cancer remains the third most common cancer in women in India, accounting for 18.3% of cases, causing approximately 342,000 deaths worldwide each year. However, because of its long-lasting pre-cancerous stage, HPV-related cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through vaccination and regular screening.
Importance of regular testing for HPV
According to renowned oncologist Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientist and Innovative Officer (Metropolis Healthcare), cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, but as it progresses, symptoms like irregular bleeding or discomfort appear. Regular checkups, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, are important to identify precancerous changes before they develop into cancer.
Screening guidelines recommend women over the age of 30 get high-risk HPV testing or Pap-HPV testing every 5 years, which detects the virus in combination with Pap smear analysis for cell abnormalities. Helps. This combination test, or co-test, is effective in detecting early-stage abnormalities, making timely intervention possible before the cancer attacks.
Advances in Cancer Screening
Advances in technology have greatly improved the diagnosis of cervical cancer. Newer methods such as liquid-based cytology (LBC) and HPV DNA testing provide higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy.
Dr. Kirti Chadha said that for example, in our experience over the last decade, we have seen a linear increase in LBC testing and a fourfold increase in abnormality detection, which reflects the impact of these advances. Accurate molecular HPV testing, including DNA and mRNA analysis, allows accurate detection of high-risk virus strains, thereby enhancing prevention efforts.
Cancer prevention measures
The World Health Organization (WHO) has prepared an ambitious strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. This includes 90% HPV vaccine coverage for girls by age 15, 70% screening for women by age 35 and 45, and treatment of 90% of precancerous and cancer cases. Meeting these goals could significantly reduce HPV-related cancer rates worldwide.
Despite advances in screening and vaccination, lack of willingness to get tested regularly remains a challenge. Public awareness campaigns stress the importance of regular checkups and preventive care. The recent introduction of 'self collection kits' may help overcome the challenge of lack of active testing among women.
Easier access to testing may encourage more women to get tested, allowing cells to be detected before they turn into cancer. Empowering individuals to be proactive with HPV vaccination and regular screening is critical to reducing the incidence of HPV-related cancers and ensuring a healthy future for women.