Lucknow: Vaccination is extremely important in preventing cervical cancer. Girls aged 9 to 14 years should get vaccinated, while women older than this age should be given 3 doses of the vaccine.The advice was given by KGMU vice-chancellor Prof Soniya Nityananda on Thursday. She was speaking at an awareness programme organised by the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, dental faculty, in collaboration with the Indian Cancer Society (UP chapter). “Cervical cancer cases are increasing but can be prevented through timely vaccination and awareness,” she said while advising women to maintain personal hygiene. Head of the department, Prof US Pal, said tobacco consumption and smoking were major causes of oral cancer and urged people to quit both habits. Former head of KGMU’s respiratory medicine department, Padma Shri Prof Rajendra Prasad, said tobacco use, environmental pollution and an unhealthy lifestyle were among the leading causes of lung cancer. Experts highlighted the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Women should undergo mammography screening after the age of 40 to enable early diagnosis and timely treatment. Speakers also called for a national-level screening programme. Era University Pro vice-chancellor Dr Farzana Mehdi said cancer cases were rising rapidly in the country. Cancer specialist Dr Farah Arshad said lifestyle improvement, a nutritious diet, regular exercise and avoiding addictions were key preventive measures.
