Study Reveals That Mental Illness Can Be A Contributing Factor To Cervical Cancer

A study published In Lancet Public Health revealed that mental illness can be a contributing factor to cervical cancer. The study stated that women suffering from substance abuse, neuropsychiatric disability, and mental illness are less likely to get tested for cervical cancer and therefore, run the risk of having it.

This study puts forward that actively engaging such women can create more awareness around cervical cancer and as a result act as a preventive measure.

What Is Cervical Cancer And The Risks Associated With It?

The portion below the uterus that leads to one's vagina is called the cervix. Cancer that develops in the cervix region is called cervical cancer.

The World Health Organisation states that infection and HPV causes the majority of cases of cervical cancer. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus.

Women are more susceptible to getting cervical cancer as it is ranked as the fourth most common cancer among the gender. In 2018 globally 311,000 women died owing to cervical cancer. 570,000 women were detected with cervical cancer in the world.

In May 2020 the World Health Organisation devised a global strategy to combat cervical cancer.

As per WHO's strategy, women, before they reach 35 years, should be screened once and those that reach 45 should be screened twice for cervical cancer.

This comprehensive strategy that WHO proposed to be applied globally stresses the importance of screening as timely screening can detect, treat and possibly nip the disease right in its bud.

Researchers of cervical cancer are aware of the inequity in health services available globally that creates an obstacle. They have highlighted the need to pay heed to high-risk diseases and to treat them timely.

The study revealed women engaging in substance abuse stand a high risk of getting cervical cancer. The researchers conveyed that women with mental health issues should be educated on the importance of regular gynaecological checkups.

The study is a reliable source of information as a large number of people were surveyed over a great period. Other factors that surfaced in the survey to be contributing factors to cervical cancer are STDs, contraceptives, and smoking.

Also Read: India launches Cervavac, First Vaccine To Prevent Cervical Cancer: 10 Things To Know

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