Cervical cancer curable if detected early, says expert

ISLAMABAD: Medical experts, marking 'Cervical Cancer Awareness Month,' underscored the significance of early diagnosis, and annual screening, advocating for the vaccination of females aged 15 to 26 against cervical cancer, as with an early treatment the cure rate can exceed 92 percent.

Addressing the media, Dr Irum Yasir, a health expert specialising in women's diseases, highlighted the importance of utilising Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to disseminate evidence-based information and promote the vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) along with screening initiatives.

Dr Irum says that January, marked as cervical cancer awareness month, serves as an opportunity for Pakistan to provide advanced oncology care services and increase awareness through various media platforms. She added that cervical cancer, being a preventable condition, can be effectively treated with improved therapy when detected early.

She also urged the media to play a crucial role in raising awareness about cervical cancer and stressed the need to educate the public about the risks associated with transmitted diseases. 

Responding to inquiries, she said that early detection of cervical cancer significantly enhances treatability, with options including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Dr Irum stressed the necessity for women to engage in discussions with their healthcare providers, explore available options, and formulate a treatment plan that suits their individual needs. She urged the women to take proactive steps to safeguard their health through vaccination and regular screenings.