Cervical Cancer & the Importance of Early Detection
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is the cancer of cervix (lower part of
the uterus) which is the most common cancer among
Indian women. An estimated 182,027 new cases and
77,096 deaths due to cervical cancer occurred in India
in 2010. Approximately eight women in India are dying
every hour due to this cancer.
What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
The major risk factor for cancer cervix is HPV (Human
Papilloma Virus) infection and is compounded by other
risk factors (poor genital hygiene among both women
and their spouses, age more than 35 years, multiple
deliveries, young age at first delivery (<17 years),
smoking, HIV & AIDS, and family history of cervical
cancer.
What are the warning signs of cervical cancer?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding such as bleeding after
intercourse, bleeding after menopause, bleeding and
spotting between periods, or heavier and longer
menstrual periods. An unusual discharge from the
vagina may occur between the periods or after
menopause.
Is there any screening test for cervical cancer?
Yes, the Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) is a screening
test used to detect potentially pre-cancerous and
cancerous processes in the cervix. Females who are
sexually active should seek regular Pap smear testing
every three years.
- Dr. Dharam Devi Varma
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A message from CMO Dr. Rohit Jaswal
Late summer in Delhi is always a time
of year in which we see a high number
of acute illnesses brought about by the
changing weather conditions.
Monsoons, standing water and
polluted air contribute to the public
health issues of the season.
Three categories of diseases are most
prevalent at this time of year; vectorborne
diseases (carried by mosquitos),
water & food borne diseases and airborne
diseases. Vector borne diseases
include tropical fevers like Malaria,
Dengue and Chikungunya. Water and
food borne diseases include Hepatitis,
Cholera, Typhoid and Gastroenteritis.
Among air-borne diseases prevalent at
this time of year are the common cold,
Influenza, and sore throat.
Remember, many of these conditions
can quickly worsen and even become
life-threatening, so if you feel like you
might be getting sick, see your doctor
today to help lessen your suffering and
the spread of disease. Symptoms to
watch out for include fever, rash,
headache, abnormal bleeding, muscle
soreness or cramps, joint pain,
diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding gums,
Intermed is ready to help with any
season health issues!
- Dr. Rohit Jaswal
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In the Community
On 27 July, Intermed hosted a health camp at Gaur Green Avenue Apartments. It was a highly successful event with around 50 residents showing up to enjoy such free benefits as Blood Pressure Assessment, Body Mass Index calculation, Blood Sugar Check-Ups, Dental Check-Ups, Consultations with Intermed’s Dietician and Consultations with various members of the Intermed medical team.
A big thank you goes out to the Intermed support staff and medial team for making this event great. Look forward to more upcoming camps at local schools, churches and resident welfare associations. Stay up to date with all Intermed happenings, offers and health tips at facebook.com/IntermedHealthcare.
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In the News
PM Modi Wants Health Insurance for All
"The aim is to provide a basic minimum health insurance cover to all. The rate of the premium for the middle class could be dependent on one’s income."
India's Home Healthcare Market Heats Up
"India may be more amenable to spending on intangible services than their Chinese counterpart."
Health Myths Debunked
"Fluid intake will be dependent on a number of factors and eight glasses of water a day is not going to be a level which is suitable for everyone."
Seasonal Health Tips
As monsoon season hits Delhi, there are a number of tropical fevers which are becoming major health issues. Intermed’s cross-specialty medical staff can handle any seasonal health issue.
Drain any areas of standing water around your home and avoid standing water around the city. Wear long sleeves whenever possible to deter mosquito bites. Use bug repellents and make sure your home’s doors and windows are properly sealed. Most of all, if you or anyone in your family begins to show symptoms of a tropical fever, seek medical attention immediately as the disease can quickly become life threatening.
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Edited by Byron Dawson
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