Cervical Cancer Awareness Drive Launched in India

Pharmaceutical company MSD India is collaborating with the Indian Cancer Society in launching a cervical cancer awareness drive in the country.

Some 74,118 Indian women fall a victim to this cancer in the country, but unfortunately women are often not aware of the deadly disease despite the fact that Jade Goody was told about her cancer on live television. A recent study found that about 130,000 women are diagnosed with this cancer every year.

Cervical Cancer - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications & Prevention
Cancer cervix refers to cancerous growth in the cervix and usually occurs in the transition called squamo-columnar junction.

Doctors say the number is so high because most women are unaware of the condition. It is here that the new campaign can help and it has recruited leading names in the television industry to promote awareness.

Anjana Narain, business head of vaccines unit at MSD India says that the company took up the issue after examining the results of a recent survey, “Only 40% were aware of the disease while less than 30% realized how serious it could be. We felt it was time to educate them," she added.

The initial campaign was launched in English in December, but now it is being promoted in vernacular languages as well as has big names like Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, film director Farah Khan and fashion designer Neeta Lulla as its promoters.

About Cancer in Women
Cancer is one of the frequently talked about and most feared disease that falls under the genre of lifestyle diseases that have evolved, rather rapidly, in the past two decades.

“Our idea was to do it as sensitively as possible. The facts are stated frankly so that no fear is created among women,” Narain said.

Cervical Cancer Risk Higher In Women With Precancerous CIN Diagnosis
Long-term risks of invasive cancer and recurrence of severe cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) are higher among women previously treated for CIN, compared with those with no

Source-Medindia
RAS

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