India has recorded a major reduction in cervical cancer cases, but experts say wider screening and HPV vaccination are still needed in rural and underserved communities.
Can India sustain the progress needed to eliminate cervical cancer as a major public health threat?
India has reported a 37% decline in new cervical cancer cases over the past decade, according to data cited from the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Cancer Registry Programme.
Annual cases reportedly fell from approximately 1.27 lakh to about 79,000, marking significant progress against one of the most common cancers affecting Indian women.
Experts say increased awareness, wider access to screening and the gradual expansion of human papillomavirus vaccination may have contributed to this decline.
“Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can largely be prevented through timely screening and vaccination.” Says Dr. Amitabh Shankar of AIIMS.
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What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. A persistent high-risk HPV infection can cause abnormal cellular changes over several years. Without detection and treatment, some of these changes may progress to cancer.(1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Cervical cancer
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Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
Early cervical cancer may produce no symptoms, making routine screening especially important.
Possible warning signs include:
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Bleeding after menopause
- Unusually heavy or prolonged periods
- Watery, foul-smelling or blood-stained vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
In advanced cervical cancer, symptoms may become more severe and persistent. These can include ongoing pelvic or lower abdominal pain, backache, swelling of one or both legs, difficulty or pain while urinating, blood in the urine, painful bowel movements, rectal bleeding, fatigue, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.
Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional.
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Screening and HPV Vaccination Strengthen Prevention
Most cervical cancers develop after a persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV. Regular screening can detect abnormal or precancerous cervical cells before they become invasive cancer. These changes can often be treated successfully when identified early.
The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk HPV types most commonly linked to cervical cancer. WHO recommends prioritising vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years, ideally before exposure to the virus.(2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Cervical cancer cases in India fall 37 percent in a decade: Are screening and HPV vaccination finally making a difference?)-
The HPV vaccine provides strong protection against high-risk human papillomavirus types linked to cancer. It trains the immune system to recognise and prevent these infections before they cause harmful cellular changes. The vaccine can help protect against:
- Genital warts
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal and vulvar cancers
- Anal and penile cancers
- HPV-related mouth and throat cancers
Government awareness programmes, improved access to healthcare and preventive services have also helped more women receive testing and treatment.
However, specialists caution that screening coverage and HPV vaccination remain limited in many rural and underserved regions.
Prevention Efforts Must Reach More Women
Despite the reported decline, cervical cancer remains an important public health challenge in India. Experts recommend expanding HPV vaccination among eligible adolescents, strengthening population-based screening and improving referral pathways for women with abnormal test results.
Screening must also be followed by timely diagnosis and treatment. Detecting abnormalities without ensuring appropriate follow-up may limit the benefits of screening programmes..(2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Cervical cancer cases in India fall 37 percent in a decade: Are screening and HPV vaccination finally making a difference?)-
Continued investment in vaccination, community awareness and accessible screening could help India prevent more cervical cancer cases and reduce avoidable deaths.
References:
- Cervical cancer- (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer )
- Cervical cancer cases in India fall 37 percent in a decade: Are screening and HPV vaccination finally making a difference?)- (https://www.firstpost.com/health/cervical-cancer-cases-in-india-fall-37-per-cent-in-a-decade-are-screening-and-hpv-vaccination-finally-making-a-difference-14032909.html)
Source-Medindia