Besides stomach cancer, cervical cancer is one of the common cancers in the country. The Ministry of Health’s data shows that the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer is increasing yearly. From 90 in 2009, the figure increased to over 100 in 2010.
Changing life lifestyles of people is the key risk factor for cervical cancer. Phub Zam from Wangduephodrang was diagnosed with cervical cancer, some five years ago. She was referred to Kolkata to undergo radiation treatment.
The doctors say the treatment was successful but she still suffers from uterus enlargement.
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To prevent cervical cancer, the health ministry launched a nationwide HPV vaccination in 2010. Pap Smear test is another measure undertaken by the Ministry.
The Chief Programme Officer of the Department of Public Health, Tandin Dorji, said any referral outside for any disease is expensive. “We actually spend quite a budget for the patient referrals outside. Most of the referrals outside are for cancer.”
Other than cervical cancer, breast and ovarian cancers are also on the rise.
