ASHA- TRACK TRIAL App is for use by healthcare workers, Ashas, and the general public. It aims to spread awareness regarding various gynaecological cancers especially breast and cervical cancer. It provides a platform to increase your knowledge about the topic via fun quizzes, videos on how to self-examine breast cancer, etc. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. It is estimated that there were over 132,000 new cases of cervical cancer with over 97,000 deaths from this disease in 2018 (25% of the global cancer death). Hence, preventive strategies for cervical cancer are essential in India. The first barrier in cervical cancer screening is reaching the target population. ASHA workers can fulfill the gap in services as they normally live in the same locality, women are more comfortable with them, and no special skills are needed to obtain the self-sample.

Even though cervical cancer is the second most common cancer, it is most preventable as well. Cervical cancer can be prevented by early detection. So, making women understand the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) screening is quite significant. The test is used to test for abnormal cells which can sometimes turn into cervical cancers if left untreated. The test not only informs about cervical cancer it can be used to test for HPV infection too which causes warts (low-risk).

Cervical cancer is caused by continuing infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV). HPV testing is the most sensitive method of secondary cervical cancer prevention and is now the favored method of screening recommended in WHO’s call for the elimination of cervical cancer.
In cervical cancer screening services, self-sampling has become a good option. Self-sampling has led to the uptake of screening for cervical cancer higher. It is adequate for public use due to its privacy, comfort, ease, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervix cells can lead to cervical cancer. Cervix cells are of two types: flat squamous cells (outer) and column-glandular cells (inner). Both can lead to cancer, although cancer caused by flat squamous cells (squamous cell carcinoma) is more prevalent i.e., 90%. Cancer usually starts at the meeting point of the two cell types, which is called a transformation zone. 70% of all cervical cancers are caused by HPV-16 and HPV-18. HPV-caused sexually transmitted diseases can be resolved on their own in some.

Early detection is the key to preventing cervical cancer as it gives one plenty of time for treatment. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and in early cases hysterectomy can be done. Women should get screened for HPV on regular basis (every third year). Women of eligible age should get vaccinated.
Now talking about the tests, it takes 1-3 weeks to get the results of a pap smear and just 72 hours to get the results for HPV DNA Test. HPV DNA Tests can be done by women via self-sampling at the comfort of their home which is more the way required in COVID times. High-risk patients will require further treatment.

In the future, we are planning to keep spreading awareness of cervical cancer and help prevent its further spread in the community giving people information regarding hygiene and safekeeping from the human papillomavirus.
Many women in India are hesitant or not informed enough about the virus which leads to the infection resulting in cervical cancer when it could easily be treated if detected earlier. We want to encourage women in India, especially in rural settings they should get tested for the virus every third year as they ignore or take the symptoms lightly by conforming to live with them. We want to inform women that they deserve good health and quality of living and that it is easy to do so.

We would also like to inform everyone about its symptoms, prevention, reasons, and the fact that early detection via HPV DNA Test.