Cervical cancer insurance in India plays a crucial role in managing the rising cost of treatment as the number of cases continues to grow. Having the right cancer insurance plan ensures financial protection and reduces the burden of expensive medical procedures.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects women of different age groups. It starts in the lower part of the uterus, called the cervix, and can spread to other body parts if not treated in time. Cervical cancer is mainly caused by a common virus called HPV, which spreads through sexual contact.
Although a serious condition, cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular check-ups and the HPV vaccine. Since many women do not show symptoms in the early stages, timely screenings are important. If caught early, the condition can usually be treated successfully.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer-related cause of death for women in India. Right now, over 511 million women aged 15 and above are at risk. In 2020 alone, India made up 21% of all new cervical cancer cases in the world.
Recent data shows that over 1.27 lakh Indian women were diagnosed with cervical cancer. Nearly 80,000 of them lost their lives, accounting for more than a quarter of all cervical cancer deaths in low- and middle-income countries.
What’s worrying is that many women in India are diagnosed late, often in their 50s, when the disease has already spread. In fact, almost 67% of the cases are found in advanced stages, making treatment harder and outcomes worse.
If things don’t change, the numbers are expected to rise sharply. By 2040, India could see nearly 2 lakh new cases and over 1.2 lakh deaths each year from cervical cancer. However, with better awareness, timely screenings, access to HPV vaccines and cancer insurance, we can expect better outcomes for women.
The two primary types of cervical cancer are:
This type of cervical cancer is the most common. It starts in the thin, flat squamous cells lining the cervix’s bottom part, which connects with the vagina.
This type of cervical cancer starts in the column-shaped glandular cells present in the upper part of the cervix.
Some rare types of cervical cancer are:
• Adenosquamous carcinomas
• Glassy cell carcinomas
• Neuroendocrine carcinomas
Most cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) – a virus that gets transferred from one person to another during sexual intercourse. A long-lasting infection with certain types of HPV can cause this condition.
While many sexually active women get HPV at some point, not all get diagnosed with cervical cancer. The condition begins due to mutations in the DNA of the healthy cells present in the cervix. In a normal cell cycle, the healthy cells in the cervix grow and multiply at a normal rate and die eventually.
However, when there are mutations in the DNA, the cells keep growing and multiplying continuously, and they do not die. These abnormal cells get collected and form a tumour.
Other than HPV, some other possible causes of cervical cancer are the environment you live in and your lifestyle choices.
Cervical cancer can cause various symptoms in different people. Certain common symptoms of cervical cancer are listed below:
• Light bleeding or blood spots after periods
• Longer and heavier menstrual bleeding
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Enduring pain in the back or pelvis
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Bleeding after pelvic examination or douching
• Bleeding after menopause
• Swelling in the legs
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss and exhaustion
Cervical cancer is usually diagnosed by performing one or more of the following tests:
• PAP test
• HPV typing test
• Sterile speculum examination and bimanual pelvic examination
• Punch biopsy
• Conization (cone biopsy)
• Endocervical curettage (ECC)
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
• Pelvic examination under anaesthesia
Other than these, doctors may also perform X-rays, CT scans, MRI, colposcopy, and other tests to diagnose the condition.
Cervical cancer can be treated in different ways depending on the severity of the condition. After a thorough diagnosis, doctors may suggest one or more of the following treatment options:
Doctors surgically remove the cancerous tissue or tumour in this treatment method.
This treatment method uses high-energy rays or radiation to destroy cancerous cells.
Certain medicines are prescribed to kill or shrink cancerous cells. The drugs used in this treatment can be oral or intravenous.
Some other cervical cancer treatment options are:
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Biopsy
• Laser Ablation
• Hysterectomy
One can prevent cervical cancer by getting vaccinated against HPV. You must also opt for regular tests and screenings, such as HPV and PAP tests, every year.
These tests help in the early diagnosis of the condition and ensure timely treatment. In most cases, cervical cancer can be successfully treated if diagnosed at an early stage.
Taking precautions during sexual activity can also help lower the chances of developing cervical cancer.
Here is why having health insurance with cancer cover is important:
Cancer treatment can be extremely costly, and cancer insurance provides financial support to cover medical expenses. It ensures you can access the best care without worrying about the costs.
Cancer insurance typically covers a wide range of treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, hospitalisation and post-treatment care. The policy offers a safety net for various stages of the disease.
If you are diagnosed with a cancer covered under the plan, you receive guaranteed benefits based on the stage of diagnosis. This payout can help lighten the financial load by covering medical and daily costs.
Cancer treatment often involves long-term care. In such cases, a cancer insurance policy helps protect personal savings and assets, preventing them from being drained during treatment.
With cancer insurance as a financial backup, you can focus on your recovery instead of worrying about medical bills.
Given the increasing number of cervical cancer cases in India, women must have cancer insurance that covers this condition. The right policy can provide financial support and peace of mind during treatment, protect savings, and allow you to focus on recovery without financial stress. Having the right insurance can truly ease the burden during such a challenging time.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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