Putting a full stop to death rumors started by her team, Poonam Pandey on Saturday confirmed that she is not dead but was involved in an awareness drive against Cervical Cancer on World Cancer Day 2024 . Poonam Pandey took to her Instagram handle and shared a video with the caption saying, "I feel compelled to share something significant with you all - I am here, alive. Cervical Cancer didn’t claim me, but tragically, it has claimed the lives of thousands of women who stemmed from a lack of knowledge on how to tackle this disease. Unlike some other cancers, Cervical Cancer is entirely preventable. The key lies in the HPV vaccine and early detection tests. We have the means to ensure no one loses their life to this disease. Let’s empower one another with critical awareness and ensure every woman is informed about the steps to take. Visit the link in the bio to delve deeper into what can be done. Together, let’s strive to put an end to the devastating impact of the disease and bring."
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women, accounting for about 18 percent of all cancers occurring in this demographic group. India accounts for one in every five or 21 per cent of cervical cancer cases, according to a recent study published in the journal The Lancet Global Health.
The cancer also causes almost one in every four or 23 per cent deaths in the country.
"The cervical cancer vaccine prevents and guards the women against the HPV virus-induced carcinoma cervix. We are happy that the government is making strong efforts towards cancer prevention and included cervical cancer vaccination for girls between 9-14 years of age," Dr Sunny Jain, Sr Consultant & HOD - Oncology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, told IANS on Friday.
Presenting the Interim Budget on Thursday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government will encourage vaccination for girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years for prevention of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is associated with the human papillomavirus and vaccines can prevent this.