Ask the Expert: Cervical Cancer Prevention with Dr. Priya Tiwari

In the latest edition of #ExpertSpeaks, Yapita Health sat with Dr. Priya Tiwari from Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon for a one-on-one on the latest trends around cervical cancer and her input as a medical oncologist.

Dr. Priya Tiwari is a renowned expert in her field and heads the medical oncology department at Artemis. An ex-AIIMS graduate, she is also a MBBS gold medalist who has also contributed to numerous papers.

The following sections are from Yapita’s conversation with the expert. Let’s dive right in.

YH: What are the most effective strategies for cervical cancer prevention today?

Expert: Thanks for this question, people often confuse the basics of prevention in the complexity of diseases such as cancer. The most effective strategies for prevention include:

• HPV vaccination

• Screening as it helps detect pre-cancerous conditions hence by its use we can prevent the development of cancer.

• Barrier contraception is a must!

• Changing lifestyle habits such as stopping smoking

• Improving personal hygiene

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that does not put you at a higher risk of developing cancer.

Cancer prevention is easier than you think, of course factors such as genetic predisposition, and pre-existing conditions that put people at a higher risk of developing cancer are important to remember.

Times are changing, so are the viruses and cancer development factors - a healthy individual can prevent the development of such complex diseases with a healthy lifestyle and timely consultation.

YH: Can you explain the role of HPV vaccination in reducing cervical cancer rates?

Expert: Many people out of the medical sector surprisingly know very little about the effectiveness of such vaccines. HPV vaccine is one of the most safest ways to protect against several types of human papillomavirus or HPV. This vaccine works overtime by protecting people from cervical cancer as well.

The HPV vaccine has a 90% protection rate and is highly effective - so much so that Australia has eliminated cervical cancer. All thanks to this vaccine! I urge your readers to get vaccinated.

Here are the appropriate doses as per the age groups:

• The recommended age to get the vaccine is 11-12 years, as young as months-old babies get vaccinated too.

• People who do not get vaccinated at the recommended age can get it through age 26.

• People between 27-45 should discuss the benefits and risks with their doctors and get the vaccine.

Number of doses as per age group:

• People getting the vaccine at the recommended age (before 15) are administered 2 doses.

• Those who start the vaccination process at or after 15 require 3 doses of the HPV vaccine.

The vaccine is very safe and the side effects are mild such as pain, redness or swelling at the site of vaccine administration. If you have underlying conditions or allergies to the vaccine’s components, your doctor would be able to guide best in that case.

YH: Are there misconceptions about the vaccine that you often encounter?

Expert: One of the common misconceptions that my patients or even those around me come with is - vaccine has too many harmful side effects. In reality, this vaccine presents normal side effects as any other vaccine and only rarely has severe reactions.

YH: What are the biggest challenges in managing cervical cancer in resource-limited settings, and how can they be addressed?

Expert: The biggest challenge that we encounter is late presentation - this is one of the biggest barriers that hinders effective management of cervical cancer. Especially when dealing with cases with scarce resources such as poor access to diagnosis.

A step in the right direction in such settings would be through:

• Routine screening, this can help us spread awareness and keep a check.

• Proper vaccination, frequent vaccination drives in such settings should be arranged routinely

• Teaching primary healthcare workers about proper screening

• Informing healthcare workers about the signs and symptoms to look out for so they can guide the patient to better facilities.

• Importance of timely diagnosis should also be shared with the healthcare workers and the general mass.

These are some of the easiest ways to address the challenge of managing cervical cancer, especially in such regions.

YH: How has technology, such as AI or telemedicine, impacted cervical cancer care?

Expert: Technology helps manage the situation remotely as well as in international cases. For example, when a patient comes to us, Yapita Health ensures they can have an online consultation with us post-op through technology. This helps doctors far away from their patients track their treatment progress and look at the follow-up test results to make necessary changes.

This is an important part of making healthcare accessible to all - no matter how far they are. In addition, AI-based models are helping doctors analyze tests which improves accuracy and better management.

Final Thoughts from Expert

Our conversation with Dr. Priya Tiwari highlighted the importance of prevention, timely screening and vaccination in the fight against cervical cancer. Her expertise displays how accessible technology, accurate information and empowering patients and healthcare workers can drive real change.

At Yapita Health, we believe these aren’t just valuable for medical professionals but actionable for everyone. Small changes can take you a long and healthy way - staying informed, developing healthy habits and leveraging modern tools are just a few examples.

Reach out to us for expert guidance and assistance with taking your practice global and beyond borders.