Cervical Cancer Prevention: Vaccination and Screening Key to Saving Lives in India

A Growing Public Health Challenge

Health experts are sounding the alarm on cervical cancer, which continues to claim the life of one woman every eight minutes in India. Despite being largely preventable, the disease remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, alongside breast cancer. Globally, January is observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, underscoring the urgency of prevention and early detection.

The Role of HPV

Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the cervix—the opening of the uterus. While HPV infection does not automatically lead to cancer, persistent infection with high‑risk strains can cause precancerous changes that, if left untreated, progress to cervical cancer. Regular screening and testing are therefore essential to identify and manage these changes early.

Expert Insights

Dr. Sujata Pathak, Scientist in Preventive Oncology at IRCH, AIIMS Delhi, emphasized the scale of the problem:

“In India, one woman dies every eight minutes due to cervical cancer. This shows how big the burden is. In many foreign countries, these deaths are much lower because cervical cancer is completely preventable.”

Dr. Rahul D. Modi, a gynecologic oncologist, added:

“Cervical cancer prevention is one of the most successful examples of cancer control in modern medicine. Vaccination, screening, and early treatment together make the disease almost entirely preventable.”

Vaccination: A Proven Tool

The HPV vaccine, available since 2006, remains underutilized in India due to low awareness. Recommended for girls aged 9 to 14 years, the vaccine requires two doses; older adolescents and adults need three doses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), even a single dose can provide protection for up to 20 years.

The vaccine is safe and well‑tested, with only minor side effects such as injection‑site pain, redness, or mild fever—similar to other vaccines.

Outlook

Experts stress that widespread vaccination, combined with timely screening and early treatment, could dramatically reduce India’s cervical cancer burden. With WHO declaring cervical cancer a major public health problem, the challenge now lies in raising awareness and expanding access to preventive care.