Photo: Collected

DHAKA, April 21, 2026 (BSS) – Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, both in Bangladesh and worldwide.

It is encouraging that awareness of the disease and its risks has grown significantly, not only in Bangladesh but across the globe. Many countries observe Cervical Cancer Awareness Month each year through various programmes.

In 2020, more than 600,000 women worldwide were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and about 350,000 died from the disease. In Bangladesh, 6,268 cases were recorded during the same period, with 4,971 deaths.

According to health professionals, cervical cancer develops very slowly. Yet it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the country. Women from lower-and middle-income groups and those deprived of education are particularly vulnerable.

However, the disease can be detected easily and at low cost at an early stage, when it is highly treatable.

Gynaecological oncologist Dr Farhana Tarannum Khan said, “The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for cervical cancer. This virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Most sexually active people are exposed to it at some point.”

She said child marriage or early sexual activity, having multiple children and frequent childbirth are among the major risk factors. In addition, polygamy, smoking, long-term use of birth control pills, infections of the female reproductive system, and AIDS increase the risk.

She noted that there may be no symptoms in the early stages, making regular screening essential. Early symptoms include bleeding after intercourse, irregular or excessive bleeding, white discharge, and foul-smelling or watery discharge.

More advanced symptoms may include lower abdominal pain, back pain, bone pain, discharge of urine or faeces from the vagina, and blood in urine. Women experiencing such symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

The disease is largely preventable through vaccination. The HPV vaccine can be administered between the ages of 9 and 45 and is most effective if taken before sexual activity. It is given in three doses, and if administered before the age of 15, it can provide strong protection. In Bangladesh, the government provides the vaccine free of charge to adolescents.

A key advantage of cervical cancer is that it can be detected at a pre-cancerous stage. If treated early, the disease can be completely prevented, sparing women from costly treatment and serious health complications, she added.

Screening methods include the HPV DNA test, Pap smear test and VIA test, which are effective and widely available. The government provides VIA testing for women aged 30–35, while Pap smear facilities are available in district towns. Even after vaccination, screening is necessary every three to five years.

In many cases, patients seek treatment at an advanced stage, when successful intervention becomes difficult. Therefore, social stigma and hesitation must be overcome.

Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the disease. These treatments are often costly and physically demanding, underscoring the importance of prevention and early diagnosis.