Protect Her Tomorrow: Facts Every Family Should Know About Cancer Prevention

Scared about the HPV vaccination for your teenage daughter? Does it cause infertility?

Breast cancer—does the thought of chemotherapy and losing the entire breast frighten you?

Does tobacco—the primary cause of lung and oral cancer—harm your child even when they are not in the room while you are smoking?

CANCER. A dreaded word. But don’t let fear take over. Read and learn the facts straight from experts.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in India. Shockingly, every third death worldwide due to cervical cancer occurs in India. Even more shocking is that 85% of these deaths are preventable with a simple vaccine.Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which commonly enters the female body. While exposure is common, what we can prevent its colonisation through vaccination. It is a proud achievement for India that the Serum Institute of Pune has developed the first indigenous HPV vaccine, Cervavac.

• The best age for vaccination is 9 to 14 years (two doses required).
• From 15 to 26 years, three doses are recommended.

The HPV vaccine is completely safe and does not cause infertility. On the contrary, it is one of the best gifts you can give your daughter.Additionally, a Pap smear is recommended for every woman above 21 years of age, ideally every five years. It is a simple test that takes about five minutes. Cells from the cervix are examined for early changes and HPV infection. It is available at primary healthcare centers and performed by trained gynecologists or oncologists.

Breast Cancer

There are three key things to understand about breast cancer treatment:

Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Equally important is the strength and support of the patient and her family.

Chemotherapy may cause hair loss, but this is temporary. Hair usually grows back within six months after completing treatment. Secondly, it is no longer necessary to remove the entire breast in all cases. Oncoplastic breast surgery is now widely available in India. This technique removes only the tumor while preserving and restoring the breast’s shape and size. Every woman deserves the right to make an informed choice. Thirdly, it is not at all necessary that if there is a history of breast cancer in your family, you will also suffer from the same. not all breast cancers are genetic. Only 5–10% are linked to hereditary factors. Always consult an Oncologist before taking a hasty decision .

Lung and Oral Cancer- the single most important fact!

Even if you do not smoke, you can still suffer harmful effects from tobacco exposure:

Secondhand smoke: Smoke inhaled by people near someone who is smoking. But do you know about third hand smoke? Thirdhand smoke: Harmful chemicals left behind on surfaces such as walls, carpets, furniture, and cars after smoking. These residues can persist for a long time and expose others, especially children, to toxic substances.

Stop smoking today! These are the only pair of lungs you got.

Don’t let fear guide your decisions—let knowledge empower you.  

Dr. Naina K Agarwal

MBBS MS MCh surgical oncology

Cancer surgeon and Associate professor  

Department of Cancer Surgery, Mahatma Gandhi medical College and Hospital ,Jaipur

E mail: nainakumar2017@gmail.com

Contact: +91 9166592304