No woman should die of cervical cancer: Campaigners

Campaigners marched through Dhaka streets on Saturday and distributed leaflets to raise awareness on cervical cancer, a common cancer among Bangladeshi women.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 30 Jan 2016, 07:17 PM
Updated : 30 Jan 2016, 07:32 PM

Doctors say no woman should die of cervical cancer as it can be treated and cured if detected early enough.

Cervical cancer is mostly caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can be detected by screening. Vaccines are also available to protect against HPV types.

The Centre for Cancer Prevention and Research (CCPR), a non-government organisation, along with different social organisations, organised Saturday’s “march for mothers” from Shahbagh to Mirpur 10.

This was organised as part of the cervical cancer awareness month that would end on Sunday.

Earlier, similar awareness campaigns were held in divisional towns, said a statement.

Bangladesh does not have a national survey on cancer. The national cancer institute receives a number of cervical cancer patients.

The number of women patients is lower only than that of breast cancer patients.

Doctors suggest abnormal vaginal bleeding such as between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause, pain during sex and a significant unexplained change in the menstrual cycle are some of the symptoms of cervical cancer.

They also warn against early marriage and frequent child bearing.