Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 5: In 2025, more than 1.20 crore women in India have been screened for cervical cancer, the government informed the Parliament on Friday.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Health Minister Prataprao Jadhav highlighted that the National Health Mission (NHM) has rolled out a population-based initiative for the prevention, control, and screening of common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cervical cancer, as part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC). The program targets individuals above 30 years of age for regular screening.
Data from the National NCD Portal shows a steady increase in cervical cancer screenings over the past few years:
• 2020-21: 21.1 lakh women
• 2021-22: 59.5 lakh
• 2022-23: 1.86 crore
• 2023-24: 1.16 crore
• 2024-25: 1.75 crore
• 2025 (till Nov 30): 1.27 crore
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Cancer Registry Programme, estimated cervical cancer deaths increased from 28,255 in 2014 to 35,691 in 2023, underscoring the need for intensified preventive efforts.
The Health Ministry is also expanding mobile health delivery and preventive care, especially in rural and remote areas, as part of the broader goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) are being strengthened to provide comprehensive services including reproductive and child healthcare, elderly care, communicable and non-communicable disease management, and emergency services.
As of October 31, 1,80,906 AAMs have been operational, with over 6.37 crore wellness sessions, including Yoga, cycling, and meditation, conducted across the country.
Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), screenings have reached massive numbers:
• Hypertension: 39.79 crore screenings
• Diabetes: 39.60 crore
• Oral cancer: 33.57 crore
• Breast cancer: 15.72 crore
Minister Jadhav emphasized that population-based screening enables early disease detection, follow-up, and treatment adherence, improving overall management of NCDs across India.