Understanding Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors and Prevention

India, Uttar Pradesh India
Cervical cancer affects the cells in the cervix, which connects to the uterus and vagina. It is caused by abnormal growth cells in women's cervix or entrance to their uterus from their vagina.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99% of cases of cervical cancer and it is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects the throat, genitals, and skin. Persistent HPV infection can lead to abnormal cells which turn into cancer in women with weak immune systems in only 5-10 years.
Young mothers, hormonal contraceptive users, smokers and those other sexually transmitted infections are at a high risk of developing cervical cancer. Symptoms include unusual bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse, increased vaginal discharge with foul smell, persistent pain in back legs or pelvis, weight loss fatigue and loss of appetite, vaginal discomfort and swelling in the legs.
Understanding Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors and Prevention

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells in the cervix, which connects to the uterus and vagina. It is caused by abnormal growth cells in women's cervix or entrance to their uterus from their vagina. The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99% of cases of cervical cancer and it is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects the throat, genitals, and skin. Persistent HPV infection can lead to abnormal cells which turn into cancer in women with weak immune systems in only 5-10 years. Young mothers, hormonal contraceptive users, smokers and those other sexually transmitted infections are at a high risk of developing cervical cancer. Symptoms include unusual bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse, increased vaginal discharge with foul smell, persistent pain in back legs or pelvis, weight loss fatigue and loss of appetite, vaginal discomfort and swelling in the legs.



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

70%

  • Unique Points
    • Cervical cancer is a cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix connects to the uterus and vagina.
    • Most cases of cervical cancers are associated with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection which is a common sexually transmitted infection. The HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if given before exposure to the virus.
    • Girls in the age group of 9-15 years are recommended 2 doses of Ceravac while beyond 15 years receive 3 doses. The vaccine is also available for women up to the age of 45.
    • Cervical cancer is preventable and curable if detected early and managed effectively.
  • Accuracy
    • Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women
    • It is caused by abnormal growth cells in a woman's cervix or entrance to the uterus from the vagina
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99% of cases and it is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects throat, genitals and skin
  • Deception (50%)
    The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author uses Poonam Pandey's death as a hook to discuss cervical cancer and its prevention through HPV immunisation without providing any context or background information on the topic. This is an example of sensationalism and selective reporting. Secondly, the article quotes statistics about global cervical cancer incidence but does not provide any specific data on India's situation, which contradicts later statements in the article that claim India contributes to a large proportion of global cases. Thirdly, the author uses anecdotal evidence from old reports and controversies to cast doubt on the safety and efficacy of HPV vaccines without providing any scientific evidence or expert opinions. This is an example of misinformation through omission.
    • The article uses Poonam Pandey's death as a hook to discuss cervical cancer and its prevention through HPV immunisation without providing any context or background information on the topic.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Cancer Institute and the World Health Organization without providing any context or evidence for their claims. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by stating that abusive marriages lead to abortions through contraceptive pills which are one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. This is not supported by scientific evidence and ignores other factors such as smoking and exposure to HPV virus that can also increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that Poonam Pandey's death due to Cervical cancer was a result of her abusive marriage, which is not supported by any evidence in the article. Finally, the author makes an informal fallacy by using personal opinions and beliefs as fact without providing any evidence or context.
    • The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal).
    • Most cervical cancers are associated with Human Papilloma Virus(HPV)and the HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if given before girls or women are exposed to the virus.
    • In India, cervical cancer is second most common cancer in women and contributes to largest proportion of global burden.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains several examples of bias. Firstly, the author uses Poonam Pandey's death as a hook to discuss her troubled married life and cervical cancer without providing any context or information about her condition. This is an example of sensationalism and exploitation for clicks. Secondly, the article makes several assumptions about abusive marriages leading to abortions through contraceptive pills being one of the leading causes of cervical cancer, but there is no evidence provided to support this claim. Thirdly, the author uses statistics from a 2019 report by US's National Cancer Institute without providing any context or updates on current research and trends in cervical cancer prevention. Fourthly, the article presents Ceravac as an Indian origin vaccine when it is actually developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Lastly, the author uses a controversial case from 2010 to cast doubt on HPV vaccines without providing any context or evidence to support their claim.
    • The article uses Poonam Pandey's death as a hook to discuss her troubled married life and cervical cancer, but there is no context or information about her condition. This is an example of sensationalism and exploitation for clicks.
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication
    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
      The author has multiple conflicts of interest on the topics provided. The article mentions Poonam Pandey and Sam Ahmed who are both politicians and may have political affiliations that could compromise their ability to act objectively. Additionally, the article references Dr Ananya Jamwal who is a doctor at Serum Institute India which produces HPV vaccines for cervical cancer prevention. This creates a financial tie between the author's employer and the topic of cervical cancer and HPV immunisation.
      • The article mentions Poonam Pandey, who is a politician, as an expert on abusive marriage.

      56%

      • Unique Points
        • Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women
        • It is caused by abnormal growth cells in a woman's cervix or entrance to the uterus from the vagina
        • Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99% of cases and it is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects throat, genitals and skin
        • Persistent HPV infection can lead to abnormal cells which turn into cancer in women with weak immune systems in only 5-10 years
        • Young mothers, hormonal contraceptive users, smokers and those other sexually transmitted infections are at a high risk of developing cervical cancer
        • Symptoms include unusual bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse, increased vaginal discharge with foul smell, persistent pain in back legs or pelvis, weight loss fatigue and loss of appetite, vaginal discomfort and swelling in the legs
      • Accuracy
        • Cervical cancer is caused by abnormal growth cells in a woman's cervix or entrance to the uterus from the vagina
      • Deception (30%)
        The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author claims that cervical cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer if detected early. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that all cases can be treated successfully when in reality only a small percentage are curable.
        • The article states 'cervical cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer if detected early'. This statement is misleading and not supported by scientific evidence.
      • Fallacies (85%)
        The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when it states that the World Health Organisation (WHO) says cervical cancer is caused by abnormal growth cells in a woman's cervix or entrance to the uterus from the vagina, and that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99% of cases. The article does not provide any evidence for this claim beyond stating it as fact without providing any sources or citations. Additionally, there is a dichotomy in describing cervical cancer as both one of the most treatable forms of cancer and also having symptoms that can be difficult to detect early on.
        • The article states that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99% of cases of cervical cancer, but does not provide any evidence for this claim beyond stating it as fact without providing any sources or citations.
        • The article describes cervical cancer as both one of the most treatable forms of cancer and also having symptoms that can be difficult to detect early on.
      • Bias (85%)
        The article contains a statement that cervical cancer is caused by the abnormal growth cells in a woman's cervix or entrance to the uterus from the vagina. However, it does not provide any evidence for this claim and only states that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99% of cases of cervical cancer. The article also mentions that young mothers, hormonal contraceptive users, smokers and those with other sexually transmitted infections are at a high risk of developing cervical cancer. However, it does not provide any evidence for this claim either.
        • Cervical cancer is caused by the abnormal growth cells in a woman's cervix or entrance to the uterus from the vagina
          • Young mothers, hormonal contraceptive users, smokers and those with other sexually transmitted infections are at a high risk of developing cervical cancer
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
            There are multiple conflicts of interest found in the article.
            • The article also mentions that cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) and abnormal cells which can lead to cancer development. It does not mention if there are any conflicts of interest between HPV vaccine manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, or other stakeholders in the healthcare industry.
              • The article also mentions that cervical cancer symptoms include vaginal bleeding, itching and pain during sexual intercourse. However, it does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships the author may have with medical professionals who specialize in treating these symptoms.
                • The article mentions that cervical cancer is a major public health concern and highlights India's Universal Immunisation programme (UIP) which aims to vaccinate all girls aged between 9-14 years. However, it does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships the author may have with the UIP or its stakeholders.
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication

                63%

                • Unique Points
                  • Cervical cancer is the fastest-growing cancer in females in Canada and is also the fourth most common form in women across the world.
                  • <br>The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Canada, with more than 75 per cent of sexually active adults estimated to develop it at some point in their lives. It is also the primary cause of cervical cancer as well as anal, vaginal, vulval, penile and mouth and throat cancers in men or women.
                  • Introduced in Canada in 2006, the HPV vaccine has proven highly effective in preventing cervical cancer.
                  • <br>The vaccines are given two or three times over a six to twelve month period. In British Columbia, the province provides public funding for the HPV vaccine for grade six and up to age 26 (if you start your shot series before the age of 19).
                  • Cervical cancer is preventable and curable if detected early and managed effectively.
                  • <br>In India, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women and contributes significantly to global cervical cancer burden. The central government has announced that it will encourage vaccination for girls aged 9-14 years old to prevent Cervical cancer.
                • Accuracy
                  • The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Canada, with more than 75 per cent of sexually active adults estimated to develop it at some point in their lives. It is also the primary cause of cervical cancer as well as anal, vaginal, vulval, penile and mouth and throat cancers in men or women.
                  • The vaccines are given two or three times over a six to 12-month period. In British Columbia, the province provides public funding for the HPV vaccine for grade six and up to age 26 (if you start your shot series before the age of 19).
                  • The criteria for a free dose depends on what province you live in.
                • Deception (30%)
                  The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it implies that the HPV vaccine is not publicly funded for all Canadians when in fact it is recommended and provided by school-based programs throughout Canada. Secondly, the author uses emotional manipulation to appeal to readers' fear of cervical cancer without providing any evidence or statistics on how many people actually develop this disease. Lastly, the article fails to disclose sources for some statements made about HPV vaccines.
                  • The article implies that the HPV vaccine is not publicly funded for all Canadians when in fact it is recommended and provided by school-based programs throughout Canada.
                • Fallacies (70%)
                  The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing Dr. Diane Francoeur as a source for information about the HPV vaccine and its effectiveness in preventing cancer. However, this does not necessarily mean that her opinions are accurate or reliable.
                  • > Introduced in Canada in 2006, the HPV vaccine has proven highly effective in preventing cervical cancer.
                • Bias (85%)
                  The author of the article is biased towards making cervical cancer a major concern and promoting the HPV vaccine as an effective solution. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who do not have access to the vaccine by saying 'it comes at a high cost to many'. This implies that these individuals are suffering because they cannot afford the vaccine, which is not entirely accurate. Additionally, when discussing Dr. Diane Francoeur's comments about treating cervical cancer with radiation therapy and its side effects, it seems like the author is trying to make the reader feel bad for those who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer instead of focusing on preventing it in the first place.
                  • Introduced in Canada in 2006, the HPV vaccine has proven highly effective in preventing cervical cancer.
                    • The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Canada, with more than 75 per cent of sexually active adults estimated to develop it at some point in their lives. It is also the primary cause of cervical cancer as well as anal, vaginal, vulval, penile and mouth and throat cancers in men or women.
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      Katie Dangerfield has a conflict of interest on the topic of HPV vaccine as she is reporting for Global News which is owned by Corus Entertainment. The company also owns several media outlets in British Columbia where cervical cancer rates are high.
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                        The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of HPV vaccine as they are reporting for an organization that is involved in promoting vaccination. The article also mentions Canadian Cancer Society and Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) which may have their own agenda regarding this topic.
                        • The author reports on the HPV vaccine, stating that it can prevent cancer. However, they do not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or financial ties to organizations promoting vaccination.