70% gynaecological cancers detected late in India: Doctor

LUCKNOW : In India, around 70% women with gynaecological cancers get a diagnosis at an advanced stage of the disease, said Dr Sameer Gupta, associate professor, department of surgical oncology, King George's Medical University (KGMU), at a press conference on Wednesday.

He said that if women learnt to recognise signs and symptoms early, it could help in prompt diagnosis and treatment, thus increasing the survival rate.

“Nearly 60% cancers that affect women begin in the cervix, breast, uterus, ovaries, vagina and vulva. These cancers, called gynaecological cancers, are most often diagnosed at a late stage in India, making treatment difficult and reducing the chances of survival,” said Dr Gupta.

“No two gynaecological cancers are the same. They vary in signs, symptoms, risk factors and treatment strategies. Some develop from random genetic mutation, while others are inherited. Every woman must stay alert to abnormal changes in her body and report these to a doctor at the earliest,” he said.

The doctor said it was important to encourage women to learn how to recognise abnormal changes in their bodies and go for expert consultation without losing time.

“It will help us diagnose and treat gynaecological cancers while they are still localised, thus improving the prognosis and leading to a smooth recovery for the patient,” he said.

Dr Gupta said he recommended regular screening and the HPV vaccination to women before they became sexually active. “The vaccine protects against the Human Papillomavirus, which causes cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer,” he said.