Overview

January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and educating people about the importance of early detection.

In this conversation with Medical Dialogues, Dr M.G. Janaki, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru and Dr Sudeshna Ray Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Centre, Mumbai, discussed essential information about cervical cancer, including its primary risk factors, prevention methods, and the role of HPV in the development of the disease.

They also covered crucial questions such as how often women should get screened, the safety and timing of the HPV vaccine, and available treatment options for cervical cancer.

Additionally, they addressed common myths surrounding cervical cancer, such as misconceptions about HPV being the only cause, the implications of abnormal Pap tests, and the belief that the HPV vaccine guarantees immunity from cervical cancer.

This interview aimed to provide accurate and accessible information to help dispel these myths and encourage informed decision-making regarding cervical health.

Speakers

Dr. Bhumika Maikhuri

BDS, MDS

Dr Bhumika Maikhuri is a Consultant Orthodontist at Sanjeevan Hospital, Delhi. She is also working as a Correspondent and a Medical Writer at Medical Dialogues. She completed her BDS from Dr D Y patil dental college and MDS from Kalinga institute of dental sciences. Apart from dentistry, she has a strong research and scientific writing acumen. At Medical Dialogues, She focusses on medical news, dental news, dental FAQ and medical writing etc.

Dr M G Janaki

Dr M G Janaki (MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology), DNB (Radiation Oncology)) is a Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru. She is a Professor of Radiation Oncology with 28 years of experience overall. She was involved in evolving Guidelines for radio therapeutic management of cervical cancer, with special emphasis on high-dose-rate brachytherapy through Indian Brachytherapy Society. dr Janaki is one of the reviewers for many prestigious cancer research journals such as Journal of clinical oncology, Journal of cancer research & therapeutics, Indian Journal of cancer, Journal of contemporary Brachytherapy. She has published over 40 articles in various national and international journals. She has guided over 20 students for the dissertation work. Dr Janaki is member of Medical Education Unit of the college and actively involved in the teaching learning of UG, PG and Super specialty students. She is member of Governing Council of the college and suggested changes in the syllabus for MD students based on current development in the specialty to RGUHS. She is Chairman of NAAC subcommittee of the college and chairman of internal complaints committee. Furthermore, she has also received Doctors Day award at the college level in the field of medical education and the researcher award for the most number of publications in 2021.

Dr Sudeshna Ray

Dr Sudeshna Ray (MBBS, MD (OBGYN), FRCOG (London)) is a Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, at HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Centre. She brings with her an experience of more than 24 years in the field of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She is specialized in treating normal and problematic pregnancies, and all forms of scar less, Key hole and Robotic gynecological surgeries. Furthermore, she has a keen interest in academics and puts a conscious and constant effort in updating herself through teaching, reading and writing in national and international publications and participating as a faculty in conferences.