Erotica Star Poonam Pandey 'Dead From Cervical Cancer' Stunt: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Of Cervical Cancer

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On 2 February, Friday, the official account of Instagram mentioned that the Erotica star Poonam Pandey passed away due to cervical cancer. However, this has left netizens wondering whether it is a prank or real news. However, later the actress clarified through a video that it was a stunt to raise awareness related to this type of cancer.

The Instagram post on her IG account read, "This morning is a tough one for us. Deeply saddened to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam to cervical cancer. Every living form that ever came in contact with her was met with pure love and kindness. In this time of grief, we would request for privacy while we remember her fondly for all that we shared."

Here's what the 8 Symptoms of Cervical Cancer may look like and how you can detect them early.

Cervical cancer, although highly preventable and treatable when detected early, remains a significant global health concern. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally with an estimated 604 000 new cases and 342 000 deaths in 2020, according to WHO (World Health Organization).

According to the WHO website, about 90% of the 342,000 deaths caused by cervical cancer occurred in low- and middle-income countries. The highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Central America, and South-East Asia.

Regional differences in the cervical cancer burden are related to inequalities in access to vaccination, screening, and treatment services, risk factors including HIV prevalence, and social and economic determinants such as sex, gender biases, and poverty.

Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to the general population, and an estimated 5% of all cervical cancer cases are attributable to HIV. The contribution of HIV to cervical cancer disproportionately affects younger women, and as a result, 20% of children who lose their mother to cancer do so due to cervical cancer.

Causes Of Cervical Cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection which can affect the skin, genital area and throat. Almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms. In most cases the immune system clears HPV from the body. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop, which go on to become cancer.

Persistent HPV infection of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb, which opens into the vagina - also called the birth canal) if left untreated, causes 95% of cervical cancers. Typically, it takes 15-20 years for abnormal cells to become cancer, but in women with weakened immune systems, such as untreated HIV, this process can be faster and take 5-10 years. Risk factors for cancer progression include the grade of oncogenicity of the HPV type, immune status, the presence of other sexually transmitted infections, number of births, young age at first pregnancy, hormonal contraceptive use, and smoking.

Cervical Cancer: How To Detect It Early, Diagnosis, And Treatment
According to the WHO website, if diagnosed and treated early, cervical cancer can be cured at an early stage of disease. Identifying the symptoms and seeking medical advice to address any concerns is a critical step. Women should visit a healthcare professional if they notice:

• unusual bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after sexual intercourse,
• persistent pain in the back, legs, or pelvis,
• vaginal discomfort,
• increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge,
• fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite,
• and, swelling in the legs.
• Cervical Cancer: How To Prevent It

Access to information, services, and boosting public awareness on this issue can help one to control and prevent cervical cancer.

1. Vaccination at the age of 9-14 years is one of the effective ways to prevent HPV infection, cervical cancer, and other HPV-related cancers.
2. From the age of 30 (25 years in women living with HIV), screening must be done can detect cervical disease, which when treated early can also prevent cervical cancer.
3. No matter what your age is, when it comes to symptoms or concerns, early detection, and prompt quality treatment can cure cervical cancer effectively.

HPV Vaccination And Other Prevention Steps

According to reports, as of 2023, there are 6 HPV vaccines available globally that can protect against the high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers and are safe and effective in preventing HPV infection and cervical cancer.

WHO mentions that HPV vaccines should be given to all girls aged 9-14 years as a priority before they become sexually active. The vaccine may be given in 1 or 2 doses. However, those with reduced immune systems should ideally receive 2 or 3 doses.

Also, few countries have chosen to vaccinate boys in order to further reduce the prevalence of HPV in the community and to prevent cancers in men caused by HPV.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.