05 Mar The unseen link between early marriage and cervical cancer

Love weaves beautiful stories, filled with dreams, hope, and happily-ever-afters. But sometimes, a hidden thread of worry creeps in – cervical cancer, a silent threat that can cast a shadow even on the brightest chapters. Understanding this connection isn’t about dimming love’s light, but about empowering girls and their families to choose a brighter future, one where health and happiness bloom hand-in-hand.

Imagine the cervix, the gateway to motherhood, like a delicate flower bud. Certain strains of a very common virus, HPV, can be like prickly thorns, making it easier for pre-cancerous changes to take root, especially in younger girls whose buds haven't fully blossomed yet. It’s like planting seeds before the soil is ready, making them more vulnerable. That’s where age comes in – research shows girls who marry before 20 face a much higher risk than those who wait.

But early marriage isn’t just about age. It often goes hand-in-hand with starting sexual activity sooner, like planting those seeds on unpaved ground. This increases exposure to different partners, another factor that helps the virus spread. And in places where healthcare and regular cancer screenings are scarce, the picture gets even bleaker.

The numbers are sobering – over 300,000 women lose their lives to cervical cancer every year, especially in areas where early marriage is common.

However, this isn’t about blame or fear. It’s about understanding the complex web of reasons behind this risk and giving girls and their families the knowledge they need to make informed choices. Education is our strongest weapon. Equipping girls and communities with information about HPV, cervical cancer, and the risks associated with early marriage can change the game. Open conversations about sexual health, like tending a garden for healthy blooms, and providing access to healthcare, including regular cancer screenings, are crucial steps in this fight.

Ultimately, it’s about protecting every girl’s right to dream, to love, and to live a healthy, fulfilling life. By untangling the connection between early marriage and cervical cancer, we can weave a future where love and health walk hand-in-hand, not as rivals but as companions on a journey toward a brighter tomorrow.

Conclusion

By understanding the link between early marriage and cervical cancer, we can empower girls and their families to weave a future where love blossoms alongside health, hand in hand. Let’s raise our voices, share knowledge, and build a world where every girl's story is one of love, health, and a happily-ever-after. Together, we can unravel the silence, untangle the threads, and ensure every love story has a healthy, bright ending.

Sources:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2807981
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/264057/

About Author

Manmohan Shah is an intern with CAPED India and is currently pursuing MBA from SOIL Institute of Management.