Cervical Cancer Prevention Awareness Meet at Medica

16 Jan, 2016
Cervical Cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, yet, unfortunately, awareness about this disease has remained abysmally low, particularly in India. Statistics show that India records a very high percentage of deaths in women diagnosed with cervical cancer, in spite of the fact that it is the only form of cancer that can be prevented with some precautions and regular cervical screening. Lack of awareness, not enough importance given to sexual education and a general disregard for women’s health that is still very much rampant in our society are some of the reasons that has led to this status. In the developed countries, a growing awareness and thrust towards regular screening programmes has greatly decreased mortality caused by cervical cancer.

Marking the National Cervical Health Awareness month, Medica organised a special programme with the intent of generating awareness on the importance regular Cervical Screening and HPV (Human Papiloma Virus) vaccination on 16th January, 2016. The highlight of the programme was a lively panel discussion by ladies from different walks of life who put forward their views on the subject.

Opening the session, our Gynaecologist Dr. Jayasish Chakrabarti, stressed on regular screenings for all women above 25. He also explained that abnormal results of the tests (pre-cancerous changes) were not uncommon but, it was important to note that this does not mean cancer. In majority of such cases the abnormality did not lead to cancer and rectified itself with time, but a small percentage needed treatment to prevent cancer in future.

Following Dr. Chakraborty’s presentation, our Gynaecologist Dr. Chandrima Dasgupta took the stage along with the august panel for the evening, which included Ms. Sonal Kundalia Mondal, Chairperson, State Chapter, All Ladies League, Social Activist Ms. Urmi Basu, Founder, New Light, well-known Singer Ms. Jayati Chakraborty, and renowned Dancer Ms. Debmitra Sengupta. Moderating the discussion, Dr. Dasgupta raised issues like – ‘Are we talking enough about women’s health?’, and ‘How aware is a woman about her own health?’ The panel also discussed other extremely relevant issues like sexual education, various taboos associated with a woman’s sexual health, importance of screening & vaccination and Government initiatives to promote awareness. The most touching moments were the very personal experiences shared by some of the members of the panel, that highlighted the great need for more awareness on this subject.