Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. It affects over half a million women across the world each year, and kills a quarter of a million, Dr Harsh Vardhan informed
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan addressed doctors, professors of medical science and stalwarts of medical fraternity specialising in Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy through video-conference yesternight at the inaugural session of the 17th World Congress for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy.
The event, organised by the Indian Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, was inaugurated by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.
Speaking during the event, Dr Vardhan said, “The theme of the World Congress “Eliminating Cervical Cancer: Call for Action” is aligned to the WHO call for Elimination of Cervical Cancer by 2030.”
He also informed that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. It affects over half a million women across the world each year, and kills a quarter of a million.
“It is tragic that one woman dies of cervical cancer every two minutes, making it one of the greatest threats to women’s health. The sad part is that our women are suffering and dying despite the fact that when diagnosed cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. Cancers diagnosed in late stages can also be controlled with appropriate treatment and palliative care. With a comprehensive approach to prevent, screen and treat, cervical cancer can be eliminated as a public health problem within a generation,” he mentioned.
Highlighting the role undertaken by India to stop cervical cancer heeding to WHO’s 2030 target, he said, “I can proudly state that India is one of the few developing countries that have formulated the national cancer control programme. As a leader in Asia, in 2016, we have launched the operational guidelines for screening of common cancers – cervical, breast and oral. India, along with 194 other countries, has collectively resolved to work together for elimination of this major killer, a goal which is achievable through 90 per cent HPV vaccination coverage, 70 per cent screening coverage and 90 per cent treatment for cervical precancer and cancer, including access to palliative care.”
Throwing light on how Ayushman Bharat programme is offering intervention to end cancer, Dr Vardhan said, “Treatment of cancer and pre-cancerous lesions is being made accessible to the economically vulnerable population through our Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna. Our primary health centres have now been transformed into wellness centers where screening is being undertaken on a massive scale. Each year, we are training doctors and paramedical staff for further improvement of their skills and provision of quality care to underprivileged women of rural areas. In the last seven years, 29 new AIIMS and 25 more regional cancer centres have been developed with state-of-the-art facilities. All of our 542 medical colleges and 64 post-graduate institutes are providing comprehensive care for pre-cancer and cancer patients. To add quality to the care, India has introduced a super-specialty course in gynaeoncology.”