I still remember the distress and utter disbelief on her face. Every now and then she would read through her medical reports and shake her head in denial, as if the reports and their interpretation were falsified. Our meeting took place at a reputable medical facility known for its engagement with health issues related to women.
I could not help but approach and ask what troubled her. The 32-year old Sahira, narrated how content she had always been with life and never expected a medical report to create such an impact. She had developed cervical cancer in the neck of her uterus.
Sahira, like most other women, being unaware of this disease, did not have a clue about the preventive measures that reduce the risk of cervical cancer and was thus caught off guard. Had Sahira known that she could avoid a life-threatening disease by acquiring basic knowledge about its symptoms and prevention, she would have taken those measures. This write-up is prompted by Sahira’s trauma, owed solely to our society’s ignorance of cervical cancer. I hope this will benefit other unsuspecting young women against the lethal disease.
Cervical cancer is a major health, psychological and social burden in women around the world and silently develops without showing any visible symptoms during the initial 10 to 20 years of its acquisition. Thus, the victim remains unaware of its existence within the body. This cancerous tumor develops in the cervix as a result of persistent infection by the virus. The primary mode of transmission is through sexual activity, however, every woman is at risk as it can spread by contact with infected surfaces. Therefore, cervical cancer may develop in women regardless of age or marital status. It is essential for this reason that women in Pakistan have themselves vaccinated against the virus before they get married.
Acquiring knowledge about this cancer and its preventive measures is essential for all women, young and old. Currently, there are 1.4 million women diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide, which makes it the second most common cancer affecting women and causing 270,000 deaths annually. Globally, 500,000 new cases are reported each year and without a means of prevention, this projection can reach as high as one million new cases each year by 2050. What is most alarming, however, is that 80% of cases of cervical cancer are reported from developing countries such as Pakistan. Once the victim is infected with the virus, it may take up to several years for the tumor to develop resulting in symptoms that may be felt and are visible. This may include vaginal bleeding, at times other than when the woman is having her period, as well as unusual discharge of mucus from the vagina. Bladder pain during urination and pelvic pain unrelated to the menstrual cycle are also common symptoms that may develop.
A medical test known as “pap smear” plays a vital role in the correct detection of infected cells in the cervix. In the developed world, however, screening alone is not considered a protective measure against cancer-causing virus types, and does not prevent an infection. The most effective method for prevention is vaccination. Vaccinating entire communities of women is the most effective way known so far.
Likewise, clinical trials show that vaccination alongside regular pap smear screening could reduce the chance of developing cervical cancer by 94 percent. The new cervical cancer vaccines enable the immune system to recognise and destroy the virus as soon as it enters the body, before such infective viruses can cause an infection.
Although, globally female empowerment is on the rise, it is sad to note that most women in our society still remain unaware of the deadly impact of cervical cancer due to lack of education and the social taboos associated with issues concerning sex. Health concerns have still not gained primary significance and societal norms and traditions do not allow girls to take steps in this regard.
In this competitive day and age, nothing should stop a woman from exercising her freedom and utilising her skills for her progress and safety. It is the responsibility of the entire family, especially the mother, to ensure that her daughter gets vaccinated against cervical cancer. If this issue is taken up seriously in our society, people will realise that it is imperative that women are educated about this disease as it can have a great impact on their lives as well as their family.
Most women who die from cervical cancer are in the prime of their lives, at a time when they bear major family and economic responsibilities that include raising children, caring for parents and other community contributions. Thus, their death or illness is a source of great tragedy, stress and loss to their family and community.
I would like to re-emphasise that our Sahira(s) don’t deserve such tragedies. The small yet crucial tasks of understanding the cancer, and vaccinating herself against it would have saved her and her family from misfortune.
