Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it still claims thousands of lives each year, especially in developing countries like India. Caused mainly by HPV infection, it develops slowly and can be detected early through screening or prevented with vaccination. Greater awareness and timely testing can save countless lives.
By MTT Research Desk
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers in the world that experts now believe can actually be eliminated as a public health problem. Unlike most cancers, its cause, prevention, and early detection are clearly understood. Yet, despite being highly preventable, it continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives every year — particularly in developing countries.
This makes cervical cancer not only a medical challenge, but also a major public-health and awareness issue.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It usually begins slowly, starting with abnormal precancerous cells that may take 10–15 years to progress into invasive cancer if untreated.
The primary cause is persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. More than 95% of cervical cancer cases worldwide are caused by HPV infection.
The Global Burden: Latest Statistics
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Around 660,000 new cervical cancer cases occur globally each year
- About 350,000 women die annually from the disease
- Nearly 90% of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries
In India, the situation remains serious:
- Over 80,000 new cases were reported in 2023–24
- About 35,691 deaths occurred in 2023
- It is the second most common cancer among Indian women
The high burden is largely linked to limited screening, low awareness, and delayed diagnosis.
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the risk of cervical cancer:
- Persistent HPV infection (major cause)
- Early age at marriage or sexual activity
- Multiple pregnancies
- Smoking
- Poor immunity
- HIV infection (risk is about 6 times higher)
- Poor genital hygiene and lack of screening
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Early cervical cancer usually causes no symptoms, which is why screening is crucial. As the disease progresses, patients may develop:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods or after menopause)
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain during urination or intercourse
Because symptoms appear late, many women are diagnosed at advanced stages.
Screening: The Most Powerful Life-Saving Tool
Cervical cancer is highly preventable because precancerous changes can be detected early.
Pap smear test (PAP test):
- Detects abnormal cervical cells before cancer develops
- Recommended from age 21 onward
- Can reduce risk by up to 83%
HPV DNA testing:
- Detects high-risk HPV strains directly
- Increasingly used along with Pap smear
WHO recommends that 70% of women be screened by ages 35 and 45 as part of elimination targets.
HPV Vaccine: The Biggest Breakthrough
The most important development in cervical cancer prevention is the HPV vaccine.
WHO now recommends vaccinating girls aged 9–14 years before exposure to the virus.
Recent advances:
- A single-dose HPV vaccine schedule is now approved by WHO
- One-dose protection may be about 97% effective against cancer-causing HPV strains
- India has introduced its own affordable vaccine to expand coverage
WHO’s elimination strategy aims for:
- 90% girls vaccinated
- 70% women screened
- 90% patients treated
Latest Advances in Treatment
Treatment depends on stage:
Early stage
- Surgery (hysterectomy or fertility-sparing procedures)
Locally advanced
- Radiotherapy + chemotherapy
- Brachytherapy (internal radiation)
Advanced disease
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy (new emerging option)
Artificial intelligence is also being used to improve radiation planning and diagnostic accuracy, helping doctors deliver safer and more precise treatment.
Why Elimination Is Now Possible
Cervical cancer is unique because it meets all criteria for elimination:
- Known cause (HPV)
- Effective vaccine
- Reliable screening test
- Curable if detected early
WHO has stated that with widespread vaccination and screening, cervical cancer could become the first cancer ever eliminated globally.
What Women Should Do
- Vaccinate girls aged 9–14 years
- Start screening from early adulthood
- Repeat screening regularly
- Seek medical advice for abnormal bleeding
- Maintain reproductive hygiene
- Avoid tobacco
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is a paradox: it remains a leading cause of cancer deaths among women, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers known to medicine. The combination of HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment can save millions of lives.
The real challenge today is not medical capability — it is awareness, access, and social acceptance. With continued public health efforts, education, and vaccination campaigns, the world may soon achieve something unprecedented in oncology: a future where cervical cancer no longer exists.