Cervical cancer is claiming thousands of lives every year. Statistics show that every eight minutes, a woman in the country dies from this disease.

A serious and worrying truth about women's health is emerging in India. A disease that many women still struggle to talk about openly is claiming thousands of lives every year. This disease is cervical cancer, known as cervical cancer in Hindi. 

Statistics show that every eight minutes, a woman in the country dies from this disease. This situation is even more tragic because experts say that this cancer can be largely prevented if timely screening and vaccination are provided.  

How serious is the situation?

According to a report by AIIMS and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), approximately 123,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in India each year, resulting in the death of approximately 77,000 women. This cancer has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. Its impact is particularly felt in rural areas and among women from poor families, where awareness and access to healthcare facilities are lacking. 

What is cervical cancer, and why does it occur?

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by infection with a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus, if left in the body for a long time, damages the cells of the cervical canal, leading to the development of cancer. In most cases, symptoms are not visible in the early stages, so women are unable to seek medical attention in time. 

Symptoms that need attention

Symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal internal vaginal bleeding, bleeding between periods or after intercourse, persistent abdominal or back pain, foul-smelling discharge, fatigue, and weakness. If any of these symptoms persist for a long time, it's important to get tested immediately. 

What is its treatment?

Experts say that cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccination and regular screening. HPV vaccination involves two doses for girls aged 9 to 14 and three doses for those over 15. This vaccine protects against the HPV virus. The indigenously developed vaccine, Cervical, is available free of charge or for ₹200–400 per dose in some states, while it costs more in private hospitals. More than 100 million women have been screened so far under the National Health Mission. 

Now, there's a growing emphasis on expanding HPV DNA testing to primary health centers, replacing traditional screening, so that even women in remote areas can benefit. Accessing women to treatment after screening has been a major challenge. To address this, the government has implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs), a hub-and-spoke model, and robust treatment and follow-up systems to ensure that no woman who tests positive is deprived of treatment. 

This disease is also a social issue

Experts believe that cervical cancer is not just a disease, but also a social justice issue, as it most impacts women who, due to economic, social, or geographical reasons, are unable to access hospitals.