Major Determinants and Various Preventive Strategies of Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Cancer cervix is an important global public health problem. Cancer cervix is the most common cancer and leading cause of cancer deaths among women in most developing countries. In India cancer cervix has been the one of the primary cancer in women over the past two decades. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with nearly all cases of cancer cervix. One of the most effective ways of preventing and controlling cancer cervix is regular screening and early diagnosis. Cervical cancer screening through Pap smear testing is extremely useful in detecting the cervical neoplasia at very early stage. Visual methods of screening include visual inspection with 3–5% acetic acid (VIA), VIA with low-level magnification (VIAM), and visual inspection with Lugol's iodine (VILI). In addition, use of Human pappiloma virus (HPV) vaccines, use of condoms during sexual intercourse, avoidance of smoking, and higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and vitamin C are identified as other methods for preventing cancer cervix. Major barriers to cervical cancer screening are lack of knowledge about disease, lack of familiarity with the concept of prevention, geographical and economic inaccessibility of care, poor quality of services and lack of support from husbands and families. Strategies in low-resource settings should be socially and culturally appropriate in order to minimize these barriers.