Published : 11 Mar 2024, 20:23

Let’s invest in Screening and prevent cervical cancer

Cancer is a curse for a healthy life. It ruins a person along with the family. Nowadays, cervical cancer has become a more alarming cancer among the women.

It is the fourth most common cancer among women globally and the second most common cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age in Bangladesh. Cervical cancer is more prevalent in low and middle-income countries.

According to the World Health Organization’s prediction, approximately 505,703 women will die from cervical cancer by the year 2070 in Bangladesh.

Cervical cancer is the abnormal cell growth in the lining of the cervix. This is caused by the infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Smoking is a risk factor for developing cervical cancer. Women with HIV are 6 times more prone to develop cervical cancer.

Why is this cancer more alarming in Bangladesh?

Prophylactic vaccination against HPV and screening are two important measures to prevent cervical cancer. Unfortunately, the lack of screening, early marriages, early initiation of sexual activities, sexually transmitted diseases, and low socio-economic conditions are responsible for the prevalence of cervical cancer in Bangladesh.

Screening tests at an early age can prevent cervical cancer by up to 93%. This is not a cancer test, but a screening test can detect abnormal cell growth inside the cervix. The screening test cost may range from 500-1000 BDT but may vary depending on the type of health service provider.

Social awareness and financial strength can encourage women to do the screening test. Currently, the world is facing lots of crises, and cervical cancer of women is an alarming one among them. If we could advance women's empowerment, they would be more financially solvent and be conscious of their health issues.


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Fighting Cancer Desk
Fighting Cancer Desk