Vaccine can check cervical cancer: Expert

Vaccine can check cervical cancer: Expert

Among different gynaecological cancers affecting women in India, cervical cancer is the most prevalent, accounting for 35% of the total gynaecological cancer cases. However, according to oncologists, the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can help in complete eradication of the disease without any side effects.

Discussing the role of vaccines in gynaecological cancers on the concluding day of the three-day Association of Gynaecological Oncologist of India Conference 2014 (AGOICON 2014) on Sunday, its organizing chairman and Padma Shri recipient Dr Jitendra Kumar Singh said, "Over a 100 countries in the world have been able to control cancer of the cervix through vaccination but we are very casual about it in India. The need of the hour is to promote vaccination of young girls to eradicate the disease."

In fact, women have become more prone to cancer with the male-female cancer patient ratio in India changing from 49-51 to 39-61 in the last 10 years. The experts also stressed on spreading awareness about early detection of gynaecological cancers. "A simple five-minute Pap smear test can reduce the cervical cancer mortality rate by 26%. Other gynaecological cancers can be detected through clinical examination or ultrasound etc," Singh said, adding, "If it is not checked immediately, cancer will catapult India as the fourth most dangerous country in the world as far as gynaecological cancer is concerned."

About 150 delegates, including experts from abroad, participated at the conference and discussed various topics such as Indian experiences on ovarian cancer, latest advancements in gynaecological oncology, challenging issues and role of NGOs in spreading awareness etc. Papers and posters were also presented by doctors during the conference. The oncologists from abroad included Dr Sean Dowdy (US), Dr Charlie Chan (UK), Dr Kailash Narayan (Australia), Dr Michael Bookman (US) and Dr Kavita Singh (UK).

Association of Gynaecological Oncologist of India (AGOI) president Dr Jitendra Kumar Singh also handed over the charge to Dr Neerja Bhatla of AIIMS, New Delhi. The conference was formally inaugurated by Patna Sahib MP Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday evening, who said lack of awareness among people was a major reason for the spread of cancer.

The conference concluded with a pledge to focus on eradication of gynaecological cancers and meet again at AGOICON 2015, to be held in Hyderabad. The organizing committee members of AGOICON 2014 who made the event possible include Dr Richa Chauhan, Dr Manisha Singh, Dr Rama Joshi and Dr Vinita Trivedi.