Model Poonam Pandey dies of cervical cancer at 32

New Delhi February 2

Actor-model Poonam Pandey passed away after battling cervical cancer on Friday. She was 32. Her manager Nikita Sharma confirmed the news of her demise stating that Pandey’s unwavering spirit amidst her health struggles was truly remarkable.

77,348 succumb to disease annually

• Cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in India and the second most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age
• India has a population of 511.4 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer.
• Current estimates reveal annually, 1,23,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 77,348 succumb to the disease.

Pandey’s team on her official Instagram page posted, “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 privacy while we remember her fondly for all that we shared.”

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. “Cervical cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus, also called HPV, play a role in causing most cervical cancers. HPV is a common infection that’s passed through sexual contact,” according to Mayo Clinic.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) report, the rate of new cases of cervical cancer among Indian women is 17.7 per cent. As per the Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers Fact Sheet for 2023, India has a population of 511.4 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Current estimates reveal that annually, 1,23,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 77,348 succumb to the disease.

The report states, “Cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in India and the second most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age.”

In the Interim Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a vaccination programme to prevent cervical cancer for girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years was also proposed.