Did you know that every two minutes, a woman loses her life to cervical cancer, and in India alone, over 123,000 women are diagnosed annually, with nearly 77,000 tragically passing away? Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, yet it is preventable. And, one of the major contributors to this alarming statistic is inadequate menstrual management—such as poor sanitation facilities and limited access to menstrual hygiene products. While these numbers are concerning, the good news is that with better menstrual hygiene awareness, we can significantly reduce the risk. Let’s dive into how healthy period management can be a key factor in protecting your cervix!

Protecting Your Future: Understanding Cervical Cancer

The cervix, located at the lower part of female reproductive region, is the gateway between the vagina and the uterus. Cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the cervix. Cervical cancer starts when normal cells in the cervix undergo changes in their DNA. These changes prompt the cells to multiply uncontrollably and to survive longer than they should, bypassing the normal process of cell death. As a result, an excessive number of cells accumulate, forming a tumor. These abnormal cells can invade and damage surrounding healthy tissue, and over time, they may break away and spread to other areas of the body.

Recognizing the Symptoms:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina − the discharge may contain some blood and may occur between your periods or after menopause
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the pelvic region
• Swelling of the legs- lymphatic obstruction due to cancer can lead to leg swelling
• Problems urinating or having a bowel movement
• Blood in your urine

Your Period, Your Health: The Cervical Cancer Connection

The connection between menses and cervical health goes hand-in-hand. Our menses could indicate an underlying problem, for instance, abnormal bleeding - this includes bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause, spotting between periods, or menstrual periods that are unusually long or heavy. Some women may even experience bleeding after douching. 

As noted in this study in the Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, menstrual hygiene management remains a significant issue for many women, particularly in underserved communities. Poor menstrual hygiene practices can lead to higher risk of cervical cancer. 

Key challenges mentioned in the study include:

• Many women dispose of used menstrual products in open areas, contributing to environmental pollution and raising exposure to pathogens that can lead to serious health issues, including cervical cancer.
• While some women change their absorbents regularly, many do not adhere to recommended practices, leading to bacterial growth and heightened infection risks.
• A considerable number of women resort to using old cloth as menstrual absorbents, which increases the risk of infections due to inadequate hygiene. Many women neglect to wash reusable absorbents properly, leaving harmful pathogens that can cause infections.
• A lack of access to safe menstrual hygiene products forces women to use unhygienic alternatives or improper disposal methods.
• Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often lack knowledge about proper menstrual hygiene practices, exacerbating health risks.

The study recommends many solutions to the above challenges. At Saathi, we are addressing many of these issues through our Ten Million Pads initiative:

• We advocate for the use of safe menstrual products, such as biodegradable sanitary pads. Research shows that using hygienic products significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical lesions.
• We conduct educational programs to inform women and girls about proper menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices, including how to use and dispose of menstrual products safely.
• By providing compostable pads, we help mitigate concerns about improper disposal and support environmentally friendly practices.
• We actively engage communities in discussions about menstrual hygiene to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and promote healthier practices through workshops and outreach.
• We provide sanitary products for underserved women and girls to help increase access.

By addressing these challenges with practical solutions, we aim to empower women with the knowledge and resources they need for better menstrual health and overall well-being.

Tips for Maintaining Good Cervical Health

The main cause of cervical cancer is due to HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. HPV occurs in people regardless of what their gender is. Many people who are sexually active will get HPV but most strains can be fought off by their immune system. However, persistent high-risk HPV, can develop into cancer if not treated in time. Even though HPV as a virus remains the dominant factor for cervical cancer, our understanding of menstruation management also plays an important role in keeping our cervix healthy. One of the major causes of cervical cancer is a lack of awareness about period management. 

Things to Avoid:

• Avoid leaving menstrual products damp or wearing absorbent items that haven’t been properly dried.
• Don’t delay treatment for vaginal or urinary infections
• Avoid unsafe remedies for menstrual infections
• Don’t share menstrual products like menstrual cups 
• Don’t use vaginal washes, which can disturb pH balance, increasing susceptibility to infections
• Avoid prolonged use of birth control pills
• Avoid smoking
• Having multiple sexual partners puts you at higher risk

Here are some of the ways to maintain cervical health:

• Maintain a healthy immune system
• Regular health checkups 
• Correct usage of condoms  
• HPV Vaccination- vaccination against HPV is crucial. The vaccine protects against high-risk strains of HPV and is most effective when administered before sexual activity begins. Even men can be treated with the HPV vaccination. 
• Regular Pap Smears- routine cervical screenings, such as pap smears, are essential for detecting early signs of cervical cancer. The test identifies abnormal changes in cervical cells before they develop into cancer, making early intervention possible.
• Use Safe and Clean Menstrual Products- a study reflected how over 50% of women are still using old clothes, as a substitute for menstrual products, which increases chances for UTI and RTI. Choosing reliable and safe menstrual products like Saathi pads, made from natural banana fiber and bamboo, reduce irritation and keep your intimate area clean and safe. These eco-friendly alternatives are a healthier choice, compared to traditional cloth or chemical-laden sanitary products. To learn more about how to choose the right menstrual product for your needs, check out our blog post.
• Timely Changes- changing your pads every 4-6 hours prevents bacterial growth and infection. 
• Proper Disposal- dumping sanitary products in open spaces can lead to them coming in contact with contaminated surfaces or attract pests, which may spread the virus. Therefore, products like Saathi pads are biodegradable, and decompose within 3-6 months.

Seeking Expert Care: Why Regular Screenings Matter?

Despite the availability of government vaccines and screenings, it is essential that individuals and society continue to raise awareness and address the stigma surrounding gynecological health. For years, discussions on women’s health have been overlooked, which often delays necessary screenings and early detection. Routine health checkups, timely vaccinations, and regular screenings are effective in empowering women to take charge of their health. By normalizing these practices, we can ensure cervical cancer is detected early, when treatment is most effective, ultimately improving long-term health outcomes.

Investing in Women’s Health: The Key to a Brighter Future

Personally, I have heard more about breast cancer and how every year millions of women fight their war against it. But cervical cancer is less talked about. This could be due to lack of awareness about female reproductive health and how to manage infections. Many women overlook urinary tract infections (UTIs) or reproductive tract infections (RTIs). On top of that, there is a huge gap in understanding of menstruation and proper menstrual hygiene practices. When personal hygiene is not paired with a deeper understanding of our bodies, it can contribute to the development of cervical cancer.  Often referred to as a “silent killer,” cervical cancer’s symptoms are frequently ignored or mistaken for everyday health issues, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. 

Cervical health and menstrual health go hand in hand, and making mindful choices can positively impact both. Products like Saathi pads, made from sustainable banana fiber and free from harmful chemicals, promote both personal well-being and environmental responsibility. Recent government initiatives, such as the vaccination program for girls aged 9-14 and the screening program for women aged 30-64 under the National Health Mission, are steps towards reducing cervical cancer rates. By prioritizing awareness, regular screenings, and eco-friendly practices, we can empower women to lead healthier lives. 

Question of the day: What’s the most surprising fact you’ve learned about cervical cancer? Make sure to comment below!

References-https://cdn.georgeinstitute.org/sites/default/files/documents/cervical-cancer-in-india-challenges-and-opportunities.pdf

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03007995.2024.2388221#:~:text=Union%20Finance%20Minister%20Nirmala%20Sitharaman,it%20is%20largely%20due%20India

https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer

https://cdn.georgeinstitute.org/sites/default/files/documents/cervical-cancer-in-india-challenges-and-opportunities.pdf

https://journals.lww.com/cancerjournal/fulltext/2023/19050/correlation_of_menstrual_hygiene_management_with.12.aspx