Fact File: HPV infection (Cervical cancer)

1. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer of women in India.

2. This is also the most common cause of cancer deaths in women in India.

3. It is caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus Infection), which is a sexually transmitted disease.

4. HPV infection is found in 80% of sexually active women, but not all these women will develop cancer.

5. This cancer can occur in young and also older women. Even affecting women in their thirties.

6. Common symptoms are irregular vaginal bleeding, foul smelling discharge and weight loss.

7. The cancer spreads very fast and within 3 months can reach from stage 1 to 3.

8. However this cancer is 100% preventable with – HPV vaccination, safe sexual practices and regular Pap testing.

9. Even if diagnosed at pre-cancer or early stages, this cancer carries a good prognosis.

10. Unfortunately in India it is diagnosed at late stages (3, 4), where treatment is difficult and prognosis is bad.

Prevention