Kathmandu, December 18
Early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer, a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix will save lives. Lack of awareness about the cancer leads to a large number of deaths of women. According to World Health Organisation, 570,000 women have lost their lives due to cervical cancer in 2018. According to STEPS Survey conducted by Nepal Health Research Council only 8.2 per cent of women test cervical cancer in the country. A total of 5.9 per cent of women have tested cervical cancer in the last five years. From among the women who were diagnosed with cervical cancer only 63.5 per cent have taken treatment. The survey was conducted in the women of age group between 15 and 69.
 

Province wise list of women testing cervical cancer:
Province 1 -- 3.6
Province 2 -- 6.3
Province 3 -- 8.6
Gandaki Province -- 12.8
Province Number 5 -- 9.8
Karnali Province -- 15.8
Sudurpaschim Province -- 8.8 

Dr Sarita Ghimire shares some information about cervical cancer
There is a less risk of cervical cancer in women aged below 30 years. Menopausal women aged above 40 years are prone to cervical cancer. This cancer doesn't occur in women who do not have sexual relationship. Women also seem to be at a higher risk for developing cervical cancer if their male partners have had many sexual partners.
 

Causes of cervical cancer

• Early sexual contact
• Multiple sexual partners
• Smoking and alcohol consumption 
• Multiple pregnancies 
• Child delivery in an early age 
• Infection by the human papilloma virus
• Intake of oral contraceptive pills for long

Early-stage cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms. The following signs and symptoms appear when cancer develops

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse
• Vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause 
• Repeated infections 
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour 
• Swelling of legs 
• Changes in urine and stool
• Back pain 
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Hamro Doctor