Experts Claim that Gynecologic Cancers are Preventable, Treatable, and Beatable

News Desk, News Nation 360 : Gynaecologic cancers, including uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers, are detected in thousands of Indian women each year. Even though the statistics may seem concerning, the truth is encouraging: the majority of these tumours are either avoidable or successfully treatable if caught early. In honour of Gynaecologic Cancer Awareness Month, Dr Upasana Palo highlights the ways that prompt treatment, prevention, and awareness may improve the lives of Indian women. Prevention of gynecologic cancers, as noted by Dr Palo, begins with awareness and timely intervention—cervical cancer, for one, can be prevented by HPV vaccination and regular Pap smear and HPV DNA testing screening. Healthy weight, not smoking, and taking diseases like diabetes and hypertension under control also reduce risk, but many women still put their families before themselves. Early symptoms of gynecologic cancers can resemble common complaints; symptoms like unusual vaginal bleeding (particularly post-menopause), persistent bloating, pelvic pain, alterations in urinary or bowel habits, and unexpected weight loss, even if mild, must never be dismissed if persistent. Early detection gives women the strength to live healthy lives and is not fear-motivated. In Kolkata and the eastern parts of India, cervical and ovarian cancers are the most common. Diagnoses of cervical cancer are most commonly at advanced stages because of minimal screening, although the disease is preventable. Ovarian cancer, due to its nonspecific symptoms, also suffers from late diagnosis. Endometrial cancer is growing at a very fast rate in India, which is related to obesity and diabetes, but it is very curable if it can be detected early. More and more women are getting preventive check-ups, which indicates slow improvement in awareness. Dr Palo emphasises the need to dispel myths—gynecologic cancers can happen in any woman, regardless of age, and Pap smears test for cervical, not ovarian or uterine, cancers. Most hurtful is the myth that cancer is a death sentence; with today's treatments ranging from robotic surgery to targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and genetic testing, many women can recover and live normal lives. In the end, Dr Palo's message is straightforward: cervical cancer can be prevented, endometrial cancer can be cured very effectively when detected early, and ongoing symptoms demand evaluation. By taking care of themselves and taking preventive measures, women not only protect their futures but also encourage their families and communities to seek healthier, life-preserving habits.

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