Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of cleanliness and hygiene across India remains unfulfilled, despite his famous words: “Sanitation is more important than independence.” The release of 'PadMan', a film on menstrual hygiene, was ironically postponed from Republic Day to World Chocolate Day.
A major section of the nation remains unaware of female hygiene. It’s time to address cervical cancer, a preventable disease common among Indian women.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix—the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Most cases are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.
In most women, the immune system clears HPV naturally. But in some, the virus persists for years, leading to cellular changes that can turn into cancer. The risk can be reduced through HPV vaccination and regular screening tests like Pap smears.
What Do the Numbers Say?
According to the WHO, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide. About 90% of deaths occur in low-HDI (Human Development Index) countries.
In India, it is the second most common cancer among women. Key causes include:
- HPV infection, often linked to poor personal and menstrual hygiene in lower socioeconomic groups
- Exposure to multiple or infected sexual partners
The high mortality rate can be reduced through prevention, early detection, screening, and treatment. Incidence is higher among women who are less educated, from lower economic classes, or have more children.
Alarmingly, only about 12% of Indian women can afford sanitary pads; the rest use rags or leaves, increasing their risk.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Symptoms include:
- Irregular, intermenstrual, or post-coital vaginal bleeding
- Back, leg, or pelvic pain
- Weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite
- Vaginal discomfort or odorous discharge
Severe symptoms appear in advanced stages, often leading to late diagnosis.
Efforts for ‘Cervivorship’
‘Cervivorship’—a blend of survivorship and cervical cancer—encompasses:
- Government policies and community awareness
- Social mobilization and promotion of menstrual hygiene
- Mandatory HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–13 (before first intercourse)
- Regular screening and timely treatment of precancerous lesions
- Palliative care for advanced cases
Almost all cervical cancer deaths are preventable with effective interventions. Research is needed to make HPV vaccines accessible nationwide.
Pop-Culture and Pap Smears
Staying updated on screenings is more important than keeping up with Bollywood. 'PadMan' sparked a vital conversation on 'period poverty' and menstrual hygiene.
As Twinkle Khanna said, “PadMan was not just a film, it was a movement.” It’s time to bring topics like Pap smears and HPV vaccines into pop culture—through movies, songs, and media—to replace superstition with science.
Just as Gandhi’s movements inspired independence, today’s pop culture can drive a national mission for sanitation, hygiene, and a cervical cancer-free future for Indian women.
We are fortunate that a major cancer in India is preventable. Let’s not miss this opportunity to drastically reduce the cancer burden.