Moms, Prioritize Your Health: Because You Can’t Pour From An Empty Cup!

"Taking care of yourself isn't a luxury when you're a mom. It's a damage control." 

Moms, let’s be honest — when was the last time you scheduled a health check-up for yourself? If you’re wondering whether school PTMs and pediatric appointments were only important things to attend to as a Mom then the answer is a big NO! You wouldn’t skip your kid’s vaccinations or health check-ups, so why ignore your own?

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This Mother's Day, let’s talk about real self-care — not just face masks and spa days, but the big, life-saving health checklist like Cervical Cancer Vaccination, Pap Smears, and Mammograms. Because, let’s face it, no one else is going to remind us unless you have that one persistent friend who double-checks your doctor appointments — bless them! As a Mom, ensuring the following three health care measures is non negotiable.

1. HPV Vaccine: Because Cervical Cancer is a leading global concern
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What is HVP?
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the clingy ex of viruses — super common, mostly chill, but can cause cervical cancer if ignored. Did you know that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women, with over 127,000 new cases in 2022? (wcrf.org) The culprit, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — a silent troublemaker that most of us don’t even realize we have.

Who needs HPV Vaccine?
Girls in the age group of 9 - 14 years will need 2 doses spread across the span of six months.
Those above 14 years and till 45 years will need 3 doses spread across the span of 6 months.

Cost of HPV Vaccine in India:
Starts from Rs. 3,000 per dose and can go upto Rs. 10,000 per dose depending upon the brand that you choose and variants covered by the vaccine. For more details on the vaccine brand and cost, you may like consulting your gynecologist. 

Why bother?
Because HPV causes 99% of cervical cancer cases. And in India, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. If you have a family history of cervical cancer, getting an HPV jab should be your priority followed by regular Pap Smears.

HPV vaccine is a precautionary measure against cervical cancer. However, getting your Pap Smears done regularly is non negotiable. 

2. Pap Smear: The Test That Takes 5 Minutes But Could Save Your Life

What is a Pap Smear?
Cervical in woman is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb) that connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Pap Smear is a quick sample of cervical cells. Think of it as giving your cervix a little spotlight moment. A Pap smear is your best friend when it comes to detecting cervical cancer early.

How Often Should You Get a Pap Smear?
Ages 40 - 65: Every 3 years

Pap Smear Cost in India: 
Approx. Rs. 1000/- to 1500/- which is almost equivalent to spending on getting your nail extensions. 😉

Procedure time: 
It takes less than 5 minutes and the pain is much lesser than doing your eyebrows.

Why Is It Non-Negotiable for Moms?
It’s quick, painless, and could save your life. Skipping it doesn’t make cancer disappear — it just makes it harder to treat later.

If you can handle childbirth, tantrums, and homework battles, you can definitely handle this test too!

3. Mammography: The Superpower That Detects Breast Cancer Before it Kills You
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, making up 26.6% of all female cancer cases, with over 192,000 new cases in 2022. (gco.iarc.who.int)

Reference Image: Pexels

Who Needs a Mammogram?
Women in the age group of 40-49: Talk to your gynecologist about when to start screening.
Women in the age group of 50-74: Get a mammogram every 1-2 years.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, start earlier and screen more often.

Why Should Moms Prioritize Mammogram?
Early detection = Higher survival rates and less invasive treatment. If detected early, breast cancer has a 90% survival rate.

You check your kids' health obsessively, but when was the last time you checked your own?

Self-Care is NOT just an Instagram Hashtag — It’s your Survival hack!

We talk about self-care all the time, but true self-care is showing up for your own health. You are the backbone of your family, and if you don’t take care of yourself, who will?

This Mother's Day, let’s make a pact:
  • Schedule an appointment with your Gynecologists.
  • Encourage your fellow moms to do the same.
  • Normalize talking about women’s health.
Because a healthy mom means a happy family — and, let’s be honest, who else apart from you is going to remind everyone in the house where their socks are?😊

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