Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally with around 660 000 new cases and around 350 000 deaths in 2022. In India, cervical cancer contributes to approximately 6–29% of all cancers in women.
In light of this, Woman’s Organisation, Phulkari, will be holding a special marathon in Jalandhar and Amritsar on Sunday (April 7) to raise awareness on Cervical Cancer and its prevention. The marathon will be flagged off by Jalandhar Police Commissioner Swapan Sharam from the Guru Gobind Singh Stadium at 6:00 AM.
The marathon is to promote awareness on early detection of cervical cancer and its treatment. There are categories for the participants on the basis of distance: 1 km, 3km and 5 km.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus, also called HPV, play a role in causing most cervical cancers. HPV is a common infection that's passed through sexual contact.
When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small percentage of people, however, the virus survives for years. This contributes to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.
The risk of developing cervical cancer can be reduced by having screening tests and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infection.