02/01/2026
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and I want to remind all women about the importance of regular screenings. If you have a family history of cervical cancer, it's crucial not to miss these screenings. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successfully treating cancer.
Many women ignore their health and avoid treatment due to various socio-economic reasons. In India, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with around 123,000 new cases and 77,000 deaths annually.
Prevention is possible! Here's what you can do:
1. Get the HPV vaccine: It protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer.
2. Regular screenings: Pap tests and HPV tests can detect pre-cancers before they turn into invasive cancer.
3. Practice safe s*x: Using condoms can lower the risk of HPV infection.
4. Don't smoke: Smoking is linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Take charge of your health today and spread the word about the importance of cervical cancer screenings!
-Dr. Dipali Rothe, best Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Venus Hospital, Kalyan West