Sunday, 3 August 2014

Vaccination can prevent cervical cancer



Vaccination can prevent cervical cancer

The Clinical Society of Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, in collaboration with Association of Gynaecologic Oncologists of India organised a two-day national seminar in Gynaecologic Oncology here last week. The seminar was inaugurated by Dr JK Singh, president of the Association of Gynaecologic Oncologists of India, said a statement.
In his inaugural address, Dr Singh highlighted on high prevalence of cervical cancer in India. He stated that 12,000 tele-radiotherapy machines are needed in India as per World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation. “Unfortunately, India has at present only 500 teletherapy machines. This has resulted in delay in initiation of treatment,” he said.
Prof Neerja Bhatla from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, in her speech as guest of honour emphasized on human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination of young girls in the age group of 9-14 for prevention of cervical cancer.
Dr Amal Chandra Kataki, Director of Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute, delivered a talk on ‘Pattern of care and survival studies on cervical cancer’. The outcome of 17 centres participating in the study was presented.
Kataki stated that many patients who complete treatment do not come for regular follow-up. “Most of the patients come for treatment in the advanced stage of the disease,” he said.
The seminar focused on the fact that cervical cancer is one of the commonest gynaecological cancer in the female. About 5,00,000 cervical cancer patients are detected in the world every year and India contributes to about 1,25,000 new cervical cancer cases.
The incidence of this cancer as per National Cancer Registry Programme is highest in Aizawl district of Mizoram.
Cervical cancer can be largely prevented or detected at an early stage through public education and screening procedure.
It is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) and HPV vaccines can prevent it in about 80 per cent of cases.
Early marriage and childbirth, repeated childbirth, poor genital hygiene on the part of male and female, multiple sexual partners are important risk factors for cervical cancer.
The seminar participants said that unfortunately due to ignorance, illiteracy, poverty and myths associated with cancer, it is detected at a fairly advanced stage.
Cytology screening (PAP test) is gold standard for early detection of cervical cancer. Cancer of ovary is one of the most lethal gynaecological cancer in the world.
The incidence of cancer of the ovary is highest in urban Kamrup district.
Dr SP Somashekher from Manipal spoke on emerging application on robotic surgery in gynaecological malignancy.
Dr Umesh Mahanshetty from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and Dr Richa Chauhan from Patna spoke on new advances in the application of radiotherapy in the management of cervical cancer.
Dr Yogesh V Kulkarni from Mumbai and Dr Uma K Devi from Bengaluru spoke on endometrial cancer and vulval cancer respectively.
Dr Partha Sarathi Basu from Kolkata said that unfortunately there is no organised cervical cancer screening programme in India.
While HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer to the extent of 70 per cent it has not been included in the National Immunization Programme in our country, he said.
Dr Debabrata Barmon and Dr Chidananda Bhuyan from Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute also spoke on various aspects of management of gynaecological cancer.
In the scientific session for young gynaecologic oncologists, Dr Upasana Baruah and Dr Bidhan Roy from Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute presented their clinical work. The National Seminar was intended to provide opportunity to gynaecologists of Assam and North Eastern Region to update their knowledge in recent developments in the management of gynaecologic oncology.
 

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