Poonam Pandey Fake Death: Publicity Stunt Or Awareness For Cervical Cancer

Actress and model Poonam Pandey recently made headlines with a shocking announcement. Initially, news spread that she had passed away due to cervical cancer. 

However, Pandey clarified through an Instagram video that she is very much alive and has not been a victim of this disease. 

She emphasized the importance of cervical cancer awareness, highlighting that it’s a preventable disease through early detection tests and the HPV vaccine.

This might be a publicity stunt by Poonam Pandey and her team, as she usually makes headlines with such random activities. But cervical cancer is a serious disease indeed, and there must be awareness about this.

This incident aligns closely with the recent statement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. In her Interim Budget 2024 speech, she stressed the importance of cervical cancer vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14. This is a significant step in India’s fight against cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It’s primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. The immune system usually clears the virus, but persistent infection can lead to cancer. 

Factors like smoking, hormonal contraceptives, and other STDs can increase the risk. Surprisingly, almost everyone sexually active gets HPV at some point, but not all HPV infections lead to cancer.

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This cancer is a major global concern, being the fourth most common among women. In India, it’s particularly alarming. The country accounts for a significant percentage of both cases and deaths from cervical cancer worldwide. 

Each year, nearly 80,000 women in India are diagnosed, and about 35,000 die from it. Shockingly, only about 1% of Indian women undergo screening for this disease.

Symptoms of cervical cancer may not be obvious initially but can include unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge, and pain. Early screening is crucial for detection. 

The Pap test is a simple procedure to identify cancerous or precancerous cells. If detected early, cervical cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Prevention is key, and HPV vaccination is the most effective method. India has made strides in this area, with vaccines like CERVAVAC and Gardasil available. 

The Indian government is working to make these vaccines more affordable and plans to include them in routine immunization for young girls.