Poonam Pandey, a model-actress and a contestant of the reality show Lock Upp, passed away on Friday morning due to cervical cancer, according to a post on her official Instagram account. The post read, “This morning is a tough one for us. Deeply saddened to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam to cervical cancer. Every living form that ever came in contact with her was met with pure love and kindness. In this time of grief, we would request for privacy while we remember her fondly for all that we shared.”
Poonam Pandey was known for her bold and controversial stints on social media and in films. She had also opened up about her abusive marriage and the domestic violence she faced on the show Lock Upp, hosted by Kangana Ranaut and Karan Kundrra. She had revealed that she suffered a brain hemorrhage and lost her sense of smell due to the physical assault by her husband. She had also expressed her desire to take therapy and heal from the trauma.
Cervical Cancer: What You Need to Know ?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers, if detected early and managed properly.
What causes cervical cancer?
The main cause of cervical cancer is a persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmitted infection. HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix, which may lead to precancerous lesions or cancer over time. However, not all HPV infections cause cervical cancer, and most people who have HPV do not develop cervical cancer.
How can cervical cancer be prevented?
The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to protect yourself from HPV infection and to get regular screening tests that can detect precancerous or cancerous changes in the cervix. Some of the prevention strategies include:
- Getting vaccinated against HPV. The HPV vaccine can protect against the most common and high-risk types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and other cancers. The vaccine is recommended for people aged 9 to 45 years, preferably before they become sexually active.
- Getting screened for cervical cancer. Screening tests can help find precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix before they cause symptoms or spread. The most common screening tests are the Pap test and the HPV test. The Pap test involves scraping and brushing cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope. The HPV test involves testing the cells or fluid from the cervix for the presence of HPV DNA. Depending on your age, health history, and test results, you may need to get screened every 3 to 5 years.
- Practicing safe sex. Using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners can reduce the risk of getting or spreading HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
- Quitting smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of cervical cancer and other cancers by damaging the DNA of the cells and weakening the immune system.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
In its early stages, cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the cancer progresses, some of the possible symptoms include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause.
- Unusual vaginal discharge, which may be watery, bloody, or foul-smelling.
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex.
- Difficulty urinating or having bowel movements.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, such as infections or benign growths, but they need to be evaluated and treated.
Disclaimer
Please note that this is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you should always consult your doctor before making any health decisions.