Overview

January is observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of cervical cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

The month serves as a reminder of the global efforts to combat cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide.

Campaigns throughout the month aim to educate women about the significance of regular screenings, vaccination, and lifestyle choices that can help reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix grow uncontrollably, often due to persistent infection with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Early-stage cervical cancer may not show symptoms, making regular screenings like Pap smears and HPV tests essential for early detection. When detected early, cervical cancer can be treated effectively, but if left unchecked, it can lead to serious health complications and even death.

In this video, Dr Poonam Behal, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Apollo Cradle Hospital, Moti Nagar, New Delhi, discusses key aspects of cervical cancer, including its symptoms, risk factors, and available treatment options.

She highlights the importance of early detection, prevention strategies, and the role of the HPV vaccine in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. Dr Behal provides expert insights on how women can protect themselves and maintain good reproductive health.

Speakers

Dr Poonam Behal

Dr Poonam Behal (MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)) an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Apollo Cradle Hospital, Moti Nagar, Delhi, brings over 23 years of expertise in women’s healthcare. She earned her MBBS from Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, followed by an MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from MGM Medical College, Indore. Dr. Behal specializes in a wide range of services, including pregnancy care, normal and high-risk deliveries, medical termination of pregnancy, and prenatal checkups. She is proficient in family planning and infertility treatments, offering services such as contraception advice, tubal ligation, infertility evaluation, and intrauterine insemination (IUI). She also provides comprehensive gynaecological care, including hysterectomy, laparoscopic surgeries, ovarian treatments, and menopause management, alongside preventive care like HPV vaccination, osteoporosis prevention, and cancer screenings with Pap smears. Dr Behal has been recognized with the prestigious Smt. Krishna Sohan Singh Award for Excellence in Emergency Management by the Indian Medical Association (Karol Bagh Branch). She is a life member of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), reflecting her commitment to advancing the field of women’s health.