Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 9: Vaccination, regular screening and early treatment are vital to prevent cervical cancer, which continues to claim the life of one woman every eight minutes in India, health experts said on Friday as January is observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month globally.
Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the cervix, the mouth of the uterus. While HPV infection does not always lead to cancer, experts stressed that timely testing and screening are essential to detect precancerous changes early.
“Cervical cancer and breast cancer are the most common cancers affecting women. In India, the death rate due to cervical cancer is alarming, even though the disease is almost completely preventable. With vaccination at the right age and timely screening, cervical cancer can be prevented nearly 100 per cent,” said Dr Sujata Pathak, Scientist, Preventive Oncology, IRCH, AIIMS Delhi.
Dr Rahul D Modi, a gynaecologic oncologist at a Delhi-based hospital, said cervical cancer prevention is one of the most successful examples of cancer control. “Persistent infection with high-risk HPV is the primary cause, making the disease largely preventable through vaccination, screening and early intervention,” he said.
Experts pointed out that lack of awareness remains a major challenge in India. Dr Pathak noted that the HPV vaccine has been available since 2006, but uptake remained low for years. Awareness has improved recently after the World Health Organization declared cervical cancer a major public health concern.
HPV vaccination is recommended for girls aged 9 to 14 years, who require two doses, while those above this age need three doses. According to the WHO, even a single dose can offer protection for up to 20 years. The vaccine is safe and well-tested, with only mild side effects such as temporary pain at the injection site or mild fever.
Screening methods such as Pap smears and HPV DNA testing play an equally critical role, helping detect abnormal changes in the cervix long before cancer develops. Dr Pathak said cervical cancer usually takes 15 to 20 years to develop, providing ample time for screening and treatment. As part of awareness efforts, AIIMS Delhi has launched a month-long free cervical cancer screening programme.
Doctors also highlighted that nearly 90 per cent of HPV infections clear naturally within two years. However, symptoms such as post-menopausal bleeding, bleeding between periods, excessive white discharge, abdominal pain or lower back pain often appear at later stages and should never be ignored.
Health experts reiterated that widespread vaccination, timely screening and early treatment can significantly reduce cervical cancer-related deaths in India.