By Dr Ankita Jain
Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Jan 05, 2026
Let’s understand prevention and screening, and spread hope this cervical cancer awareness month.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most pressing women's health challenges in India, yet it is also one of the most preventable cancers. Every year, thousands of Indian women lose their lives to this disease, despite the availability of effective screening methods and vaccines. Understanding cervical cancer, its risk factors, and prevention strategies is crucial for every woman and family in India.
Understanding cervical cancer: What every woman should know
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This cancer typically develops slowly over several years, beginning with precancerous changes in cervical cells. These changes, if detected early through regular screening, can be treated before they progress to cancer.
The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease. While most HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infections with certain high-risk HPV types can lead to cellular changes that eventually become cancerous.
India accounts for nearly one-fifth of the global cervical cancer burden, making it a significant public health concern. According to health statistics, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, with approximately 120,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Tragically, around 67,000 women die from this disease each year in the country.
These staggering numbers reflect not just the prevalence of the disease but also challenges in awareness, access to screening, and timely treatment. Many women in India, particularly in rural areas, remain unaware of cervical cancer symptoms, prevention methods, and the importance of regular screening.
Early-stage cervical cancer often presents no symptoms, which is why regular screening is essential. However, as the disease progresses, women may experience several warning signs, including abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause. Other symptoms include unusual vaginal discharge that may be watery, bloody, or have a foul odour, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse.
Women experiencing any of these symptoms should consult a healthcare provider immediately. While these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, prompt medical evaluation is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding risk factors can help women take proactive steps to prevent health issues. The most significant risk factor is HPV infection, but several other factors increase a woman's likelihood of developing cervical cancer.
Multiple sexual partners or having a partner with multiple sexual partners increases the risk of HPV exposure. Early initiation of sexual activity, typically before age 18, also elevates risk. Women who smoke have twice the risk of developing cervical cancer compared to non-smokers, as tobacco use may damage cervical cells and make them more susceptible to HPV infection.
A weakened immune system, whether due to HIV infection or immunosuppressive medications, makes it harder for the body to fight off HPV infections. Long-term use of oral contraceptives for five years or more has been associated with increased risk, though the risk decreases after discontinuation. Having multiple full-term pregnancies and poor nutrition, particularly diets low in fruits and vegetables, are additional risk factors.
One of the most significant medical advances in cervical cancer prevention is the HPV vaccine. This vaccine protects against the high-risk HPV types responsible for most cervical cancers. The vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV, ideally to girls between the ages of nine and fourteen.
In India, the HPV vaccine is available but not yet part of the universal immunisation program in all states. However, several states have begun pilot programs, and private vaccination is available. Parents should discuss HPV vaccination with paediatrician or healthcare providers for their daughters’ and sons’ to protect them against future cervical and other HPV-related cancers. Boys should also receive the HPV vaccine because HPV can cause cancers of the throat, anus, and penis, as well as genital warts, and vaccinated boys help reduce the spread of HPV to others. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys aged 9–15 years.
The vaccine is safe, effective, and provides long-lasting protection. Studies show that HPV vaccination can prevent up to ninety per cent of cervical cancers if given before HPV exposure.
Regular cervical cancer screening is the most effective way to detect precancerous changes before they develop into cancer. Two primary screening methods are available in India: the pap smear test and HPV testing.
A pap smear, also called a pap test, involves collecting cells from the cervix to examine for abnormalities under a microscope. Women should begin cervical cancer screening at age 21 and continue every three years until age 65, provided results remain normal. For women aged 30 years and older, HPV testing may be done alone or combined with a Pap test (co-testing) to detect high-risk HPV types.
In areas with limited access to conventional screening methods, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) offers a cost-effective alternative. The procedure involves applying dilute acetic acid to the cervix and visually assessing it for abnormal changes. VIA is performed by trained healthcare workers and provides immediate results, making it ideal for low-resource settings.
Despite the availability of screening methods, many Indian women face barriers to accessing cervical cancer screening. These include a lack of awareness about the disease and screening importance, cultural stigma and embarrassment associated with gynaecological examinations, limited access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, cost concerns, and a lack of female healthcare providers in some regions.
Addressing these barriers requires a multi-pronged approach involving government initiatives, community health programs, awareness campaigns, and training more healthcare workers to provide screening services.
When detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable with excellent survival rates. Treatment depends on the cancer stage and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.
For precancerous changes, procedures like cryotherapy or the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) can remove abnormal cells before cancer develops.
Early-stage cancers may require surgery to remove the affected tissue while preserving fertility when possible. Advanced cancers typically need radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy.
The five-year survival rate for cervical cancer detected at an early stage is approximately ninety-two per cent. This drops significantly when cancer is detected at later stages, underscoring the critical importance of regular screening.
Every woman in India can take concrete steps to reduce her cervical cancer risk. Start by educating yourself and your family about cervical cancer causes, symptoms, and prevention. Get screened regularly according to recommended guidelines, even if you feel healthy.
Consider HPV vaccination for daughters and eligible family members. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by avoiding tobacco, eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and practising safe sex. Don't ignore unusual symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if you experience abnormal bleeding or discharge.
Support awareness efforts by talking openly about cervical cancer with friends, family, and community members to reduce stigma and encourage screening.
The Indian government has recognised cervical cancer as a priority health issue. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke includes provisions for cervical cancer screening. Several states have launched screening camps and awareness programs targeting women in under served areas.
However, more work is needed to ensure universal access to screening and vaccination, particularly in rural India. Increased funding, infrastructure development, training of healthcare workers, and sustained public awareness campaigns are essential to reduce the cervical cancer burden.
Hope through awareness and action
Cervical cancer doesn't have to be a death sentence. With proper awareness, regular screening, HPV vaccination, and timely treatment, this disease is largely preventable and highly treatable when caught early. Every woman in India deserves access to life-saving screening and preventive care.
This cervical cancer awareness month by spreading awareness, encouraging screening, supporting vaccination programs, and advocating for better healthcare access, we can work together to reduce cervical cancer deaths and protect the health of Indian women. The power to prevent cervical cancer lies in knowledge, early detection, and action. Let's make cervical cancer awareness a priority and save lives across India.
