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Cervical Cancer in Pakistan: Breaking the Silence
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases affecting women worldwide. Despite advances in medical science, the illness continues to claim thousands of lives every year, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Pakistan, cervical cancer remains a silent epidemic—fuelled by cultural taboos, lack of awareness, limited screening facilities, and inadequate vaccination drives.
A Global and Local Health Crisis
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths reported in 2022 alone.
In Pakistan, the burden is severe:
- Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15–44.
- Over 5,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
- Around 3,000 women die annually, translating into a mortality rate of 60–85%, far higher than the global average of 45%.
Why Pakistani Women Suffer in Silence
1. Cultural Taboos and Stigma
Women’s reproductive health is rarely discussed openly. Painful periods, pelvic discomfort, or irregular bleeding are often dismissed as “normal.” Many women choose silence over medical consultation, fearing shame or judgment.
2. Neglect of Women’s Health
In a patriarchal society, women’s health is prioritized only during pregnancy. Outside of childbearing years, routine gynecological check-ups are often ignored, making early detection rare.
3. Limited Access to Screening
Globally, Pap smears and HPV screenings are effective tools for detecting precancerous changes. Yet in Pakistan, awareness is limited, and many doctors do not emphasize their importance. Unmarried women are frequently denied screening due to cultural biases that equate sexual activity solely with marriage.
4. Transmission of HPV
The human papillomavirus (HPV)—a sexually transmitted infection—is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Many women contract HPV from unfaithful spouses or through unprotected sexual contact. Yet, cultural shame prevents open discussions about safe sex, protection, and risk factors.
Global Progress vs. Local Inaction
Countries like Rwanda, UAE, and India have successfully reduced cervical cancer rates by prioritizing HPV vaccination and regular screenings. Rwanda, despite being a low-income country, achieved 90% vaccination coverage and aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027.
In Pakistan, however, HPV vaccines remain costly (Rs. 12,000–17,000) and often unavailable due to import barriers. Even when accessible, awareness among healthcare providers and families is lacking. While the government has announced a vaccination campaign for girls aged 9–14 in 2025, experts remain skeptical about its effectiveness given Pakistan’s struggling healthcare infrastructure.
The Way Forward
1. Awareness Campaigns
Use media, schools, and community programs to educate about HPV, safe practices, and the importance of screenings.
2. Inclusion of Men
Since men often transmit HPV, sensitizing them about reproductive health is essential in a patriarchal society.
3. Affordable Vaccination
Ensure that HPV vaccines are subsidized or provided free under public health programs.
4. Routine Screenings
Encourage Pap smears and HPV testing for all sexually active women, regardless of marital status.
5. Breaking Cultural Taboos
Normalize conversations around reproductive health to empower women in making informed decisions.
6. Media Involvement
Television, social media, and influencers should actively spread messages that cervical cancer is preventable if timely action is taken.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is not a death sentence—it is a preventable disease. With proper awareness, affordable vaccines, and accessible screenings, Pakistan can save thousands of women from premature death. Breaking the silence around reproductive health is not just a medical necessity but also a moral responsibility.
Key Points
- Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Pakistani women aged 15–44.
- Causes 5,000+ new cases and 3,000 deaths annually in Pakistan.
- Mortality rate (60–85%) is much higher than the global average of 45%.
- HPV infection is the primary cause—transmitted through sexual contact.
- Barriers in Pakistan: cultural stigma, lack of awareness, denial of screening to unmarried women, costly vaccines.
- Global examples (Rwanda, UAE, India) show cervical cancer can be controlled through vaccination and screening.
- Solutions: awareness campaigns, affordable vaccines, routine Pap smears, inclusion of men in health education, and media involvement.
