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Cervical cancer kills nearly 75,000 women in India every year despite being largely preventable. Low awareness, delayed screening, and limited HPV vaccination continue to put millions at risk. Here’s how women can protect themselves.
Cervical cancer continues to be one of the deadliest yet most preventable cancers
New Delhi: Cervical cancer continues to be one of the deadliest yet most preventable cancers affecting women in India. According to health experts, nearly 75,000 women die every year in the country due to the disease, highlighting a major public health challenge rooted in low awareness, late diagnosis, and limited access to preventive care.
Despite being largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening, cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Indian women, particularly affecting those in low- and middle-income groups.
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Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus. While most HPV infections clear on their own, some can lead to abnormal cell changes in the cervix, eventually progressing to cancer if left untreated.
Experts stress that HPV infection often shows no early symptoms, making regular screening critical for early detection.
Public health specialists point out that limited awareness about HPV, social stigma around gynaecological check-ups, and lack of routine screening programmes contribute significantly to India’s high mortality rate.
Many women seek medical help only when symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or discomfort during intercourse appear by which time the disease is often at an advanced stage.
Doctors emphasise that the HPV vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. The vaccine protects against the most dangerous HPV strains responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.
Health authorities recommend HPV vaccination for girls and young women, ideally before the onset of sexual activity, though older women can also benefit after medical consultation. In recent years, India has introduced indigenous HPV vaccines, making immunisation more accessible and affordable.
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Alongside vaccination, regular cervical screening plays a crucial role in prevention. Tests such as Pap smears and HPV DNA tests can detect pre-cancerous changes early, allowing timely treatment and preventing progression to cancer.
Experts advise women above the age of 21 to undergo screening at regular intervals, even if they feel healthy.
Maintaining good reproductive health, avoiding tobacco use, practising safe sex, and seeking prompt medical advice for unusual symptoms can further reduce risk.
Health professionals stress that cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early, urging women and families to prioritise awareness, vaccination, and routine check-ups to curb the alarming death toll.
