DHAKA, Jan 23, 2022 (BSS)- With most of Bangladesh's population living in rural areas where measures of health management are low, women are vulnerable to risks of cervical cancer.

  It came as a punishment to thirty-nine-year-old Zahura Khanam, a housewife, as she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She and her husband were blessed with two children. Her husband is doing a job at a private farm.

  Once Zahura felt extreme pain during her menstruation. The menstruation also became irregular. One day she visited a gynecologist. After undergoing many tests, the doctors found that Zahura was suffering from cervical cancer.

   Post-menopausal bleeding, unusual or heavier bleeding during menstruation, extreme pain during intercourse, bleeding after intercourse, increased vaginal discharge, unexplained pelvic and back pain are all signs of cervical cancer. If anyone ever faces any of these, make sure to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

  Experts said cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with an estimated 570,000 new cases each year. From the Bangladeshi perspective, it is the second most common type of cancer in Bangladesh, with approximately 12,000 new cases detected every year, and over 6,000 deaths due to the severity of the disease.

  Most cancers do not have any vaccines, but as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes cervical cancer, there is a vaccine for it. All girls, whenever she has reached reproductive age, which is around 13-15, should get vaccinated. Such a small and easy step can give protection for a lifetime.

  Just like breast cancer, screening for cervical cancer is a very good preventive measure. After reaching the age of 30, every woman must go for screening, at least once a year.

  Cervical cancer screening is now readily available and accessible to women from all types of socio-economic backgrounds, thanks to programmes initiated by the government and many health-related NGOs and non-profit organisations who offer free screening.

  Getting married and having children before the age of 18 poses a huge risk in developing cervical cancer. The best time to have a baby is after the age of 20, to reduce risks. Besides, birth spacing refers to the gap between one pregnancy and the next. After having a baby, it is wise to wait at least 18 months before getting pregnant again, to avoid cervical cancer.

  It goes without saying that personal hygiene prevents many types of diseases, and cervical cancer is no different. Keeping the cervix area clean is very important.

  Sexual activity with more than one partner increases the chances of infection by HPV.

  Habibullah Talukder Raskin, an associate professor of National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital, said the majority of cervical cancer cases occur in mid-age rather than old-age and it is one of the most common cancers in women under 35.

  "Preventative cervical screening programmes can avoid cervical cancer deaths and provide a means of early detection. When the disease is detected early, it is highly treatable and is often associated with long survival and good quality of life outcomes," he added.

  He said now the patients, who are suffering from cervical cancer, would get treatment at an affordable price at city hospitals, including National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital, and others.