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Editorial of the Day (16th Jan): A Jab in Time

Context: The article titled “A jab in time” emphasises the importance of a comprehensive approach to cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

About Cervical Cancer

  • It is the second-most common cancer among women in India, with over 1 lakh new cases and 77,000 deaths in 2022.
  • Globally, it contributes to one-fifth of the total burden.
  • Cause: Primarily caused by persistent high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, with co-factors like low socioeconomic status and immunity.
  • Detection: Precancerous and cancerous stages can be identified through screening tests like HPV tests and visual assessments.
  • Treatment: Precancerous lesions can be treated effectively with simple outpatient procedures.
  • Prevention: HPV vaccination in girls aged 9-14 is highly effective in preventing infection and future cancer development.

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Necessity

  • High burden: India accounts for 20% of global cervical cancer cases and deaths.
  • Prevention and curability: Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, with a 93% cure rate for early-stage cases.
  • Sustainable Development Goal: Eliminating cervical cancer contributes to reducing premature deaths by 2030 (SDG 3.4).

Key interventions

  • HPV vaccination:
    • Recommended for girls aged 9-14.
    • Prevents infection with high-risk HPV types.
    • Most effective before sexual debut.
  • Screening:
    • Regular Pap smears or HPV tests recommended for women aged 30-45.
    • Detects precancerous changes before they become cancerous.
    • Simple and easily available.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment:
    • Effective treatment options exist for pre-cancerous and early-stage cancer.
    • Palliative care available for advanced stages.

Challenges

  • Awareness: There is a significant lack of awareness about cervical cancer, which results in late detection and treatment.
  • Vaccination: The percentage of fully vaccinated 15-year-old girls against HPV is currently low.
  • Treatment Access: Access to treatment for women with cervical pre-cancer and cancer is not adequate to meet the 2030 mortality reduction target.
  • Healthcare Burden: There is an anticipated increase in demand for cancer care treatments by about 20% in the next decade.
  • Diagnostics: The diagnostics confirmation step in the patient journey from “screen-positive” to “treatment” is underutilised, leading to delayed or missed treatment opportunities.
  • Policy Implementation: The need for robust policy frameworks and public-private partnerships to strengthen the health system has been identified as a challenge.
  • Technology Use: There is a gap in testing and implementing artificial intelligence technologies for early and accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Comprehensive Care: The integration of prevention, treatment, and palliative care services is still not fully realised, which is necessary for a holistic approach to managing cervical cancer.

Moving Forward

  • Strengthening awareness campaigns: Educating communities about cervical cancer, its causes, prevention, and treatment options.
  • Scaling up vaccination programs: Ensuring high coverage and access to HPV vaccines for eligible girls.
  • Improving screening services: Expanding access to accurate and affordable screening tests.
  • Building capacity for treatment: Training healthcare providers and equipping facilities for pre-cancer and cancer treatment.
  • Enhancing partnerships: Collaboration between government, NGOs, healthcare professionals, and researchers is vital for effective implementation.

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About the Author

Sakshi Gupta is a content writer to empower students aiming for UPSC, PSC, and other competitive exams. Her objective is to provide clear, concise, and informative content that caters to your exam preparation needs. She has over five years of work experience in Ed-tech sector. She strive to make her content not only informative but also engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your journey!