The development of health services and generation of community involvement are keys to the initiative in reducing the burden of cervical cancer.
Poonam Pandey chose a different approach to raise awareness about cervical cancer. On February 2, news circulated that the model-actor has died due to cervical cancer. Contrary to the earlier reports, it has now been disclosed that Poonam is well and in good health. To subscribe please click tau.id/2iy6f and access our live channel.
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The Viral Fake Case
Poonam Pandey, a 32-year-old reality TV star and former Bollywood actor who shot to fame in 2011 when she promised she would strip for the India cricket team if they won the Cricket World Cup, was said to have died on Friday.
In a statement that appeared to be from her management team, her 1.3 million followers were informed on Instagram: “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.”
Colleagues and co-stars posted about their sadness and grief on social media, and a flurry of obituaries were published, but others were sceptical, pointing out that she looked healthy and enjoying a boat ride in Goa four days earlier.
Ruling out on the same, model and reality TV star, today announced that she hasn’t died of cervical cancer. Pandey then conceded in a video that she “didn’t die” and apologised to her followers for shocking them.
Celebrities Criticizing the Act
Taking to their respective social media accounts, several celebrities criticized and furiously slammed Poonam for faking her death and demeaning an important cause. Vivek Agnihotri posted Poonam’s video and wrote, “Actually, it was a marketing campaign for a brand. To which Kangana Ranaut wrote, “How sinister, how pathetic.” Arti Singh shared, and wrote, ” “Disgusting… this is not awareness. My parents lost their lives due to cancer, Shame. Reacting to the post, Bipasha Basu said, “Beyond pathetic behaviour. The PR people behind this should be ashamed too… not just this person.” Tahira Kashyap wrote, “Witnessed the lowest of lows today.” Mini Mathur said, “(This) cervial cancer stunt is not just distasteful, tone deaf and insensitive.” Social media and influencers have dumbed down the discourse around absolutely everything along with general public.
What is Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infections with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.
In the early stages, cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
Cervical cancer is highly preventable with regular screening tests, such as the Pap smear (or Pap test) and HPV testing. The vaccines Gardasil 9 and Cervarix have also been developed to protect against certain HPV strains and reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Cases of Cervical Cancer in India
Cervical cancer is a major cause of cancer mortality in women and more than a quarter of its global burden is contributed by developing countries. In India, it is the 3rd most common cancer with an Incidence rate of 18.3% (123,907 cases) and the second leading cause of death with a mortality rate of 9.1%. Moreover, it is accounted for 6-29% of all cancers among women in India and has the highest incidence rate of cervical cancer (27.7) in Asia!
The studies conducted in India provide sufficient evidence that cervical cancer screening through simple test like VIA/VILI is affordable, feasible, and an accurate tool for implementation in all health-care settings. These tests can also be easily taught to grass root health workers, who can help in conducting the screening program in remote areas.
However, for any cervical screening program to be successful in addition to the use of a reliable and accurate screening test, high rates of coverage and the ability to effectively provide treatment to test positive women are very important.
Poonam Pandey’s Case and Campaign
According to the World Health Organization, India accounts for nearly one-quarter of the world’s cervical cancer cases, with more than 200 women losing their lives every day to the disease. And this was the sole reason behind her ‘stunt’. She even took to her social media account for an official statement.
“Yes, I faked my demise. Extreme, I know. But suddenly we all are talking about cervical cancer, aren’t we?” Pandey said. “I am proud of what my death news has been able to achieve. Unlike some other cancers, cervical cancer is entirely preventable. “
“The key lies in the HPV vaccine and early detection tests. We have the means to ensure no one loses their life to this disease. Let’s empower one another with critical awareness and ensure every woman is informed about the steps to take.” She then urged her followers to “bring #DeathToCervicalCancer”.
However, her way of campaigning hasn’t settled in well with the public and is being criticized by millions of citizens. One X user, Anjali, wrote, “How can she even pull such stunt when this is the reality in India and so many women are suffering (from this).” Another user, Nayana expressed, “Grief, Gore, Gut-wrenching….someone who is already so low level have such supporters too….”
