The awareness programs and preventive strategies for elimination of cervical cancer are in their accelerated phase globally. “January” is considered as the “World cervical cancer awareness month”.

What is Cervical Cancer?

“Cervix” is the lower part of uterus which is partly projected into the vaginal canal and act as an “entrance” to the uterus. The abnormal cell changes occurring in the epithelial layer of cervix leads to cervical cancer. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause attributed to the development of Cervical cancer. HPV is a common viral infection of reproductive tract in sexually active women. In most cases, the immune system clears HPV from the body. But the persistent infection if left untreated can lead to cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. But it is one among the most preventable and successfully treatable forms of cancer if detected in its early stages. With a comprehensive approach to prevent, screen and treat, we can eliminate cervical cancer within a few decades.

What Ayurveda says?

In Ayurvedic classics, the term “Garbhashaya Mukha” refers to cervix. The cervical pathologies are considered under the concepts of “Shotha”(inflammations) and “Vrana”(abnormality or discontinuity in tissues) and “Yoni vyapad”(gynaecological disorders) in Ayurveda. The advanced stages may be included under the spectrum of “Arbuda”.

According to Ayurveda, not only the external factors (Agantuja) like infectious agents, but the internal factors (Nija) like the status of systemic physiology and integrity of body tissues are also equally important for the development of cervical pathologies. Ayurveda emphasizes the preventive strategies through both topical as well as systemic approach while dealing with cervical pathologies.

The cervical pathologies like Cervical erosion, Cervicitis, Nabothian cysts, and various precancerous lesions are effectively being treated and prevented from the recurrence and further advancement in the pathology through Ayurvedic treatment protocols. Ayurveda also offers supportive care in advanced stages of cervical cancer. The local approach towards cervical pathologies includes different medicated douches (Yoni Prakshalana), dusting of medicated power (Avachurnana), Topical applications in the form of herbal pastes (Yoni Lepana and Kalka dharana) and tampons with medicated oils (Yoni pichu). Two among the para-surgical procedures in Ayurveda, called Kshara Karma(Cauterization with alkaline drugs) and Agni-karma(Thermal cauterization) with metallic instruments made up of gold(Swarna Shalaka), Panchaloha, medicated Sticks (varti) etc. are proven to be the most effective Ayurvedic treatment modalities in cervical pathologies. The oral medications which enhance the digestion and metabolism, immune mechanism, reproductive health and maintain the healthy status of tissues are recommended along with the local treatment procedures in Ayurveda. The topical approach combined with the systemic approach is essential for the prophylactic management of cervical pathologies. Thus, Ayurveda can provide significant contributions to the global strategies for eliminating the cervical cancer.

Dr. Anagha Sivanandan BAMS, M.S.(Ayu.), Ph.D.(Ayu.)

Consultant Gynaecologist

Ayufy