January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in India, and this article explains how Indian families can prevent this almost completely avoidable cancer with vaccination and screening.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.​
The main cause is long-term infection with high-risk HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a very common virus that most people get at some point in life.​

• Most HPV infections clear naturally.
• Persistent high-risk HPV over years can change normal cervical cells into precancer and then cancer.​

Cervical Cancer in India: Latest Numbers You Must Know

• Globally, over 6.5–7 lakh women are diagnosed and around 350,000 die from cervical cancer every year.​
• In India, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, with about 1.2–1.3 lakh new cases and around 75,000–80,000 deaths every year.​
• That means nearly 200 Indian women die from cervical cancer every single day, even though it is largely preventable.​
• More than 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, including India, mainly because of poor access to HPV vaccination and screening.

Why Cervical Cancer Is Still Common in India

• Very low screening coverage (as low as 1–2% of women in some surveys).​
• Limited awareness about Pap smear, HPV test, and HPV vaccination.​
• Stigma, fear, and delay in visiting a gynecologist.
• Myths that “good lifestyle” or “educated families” are protected.

Many women reach doctors only when the cancer is already in an advanced stage.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

Many women with early cervical cancer have no symptoms, which is why regular cervical cancer screening is critical.​

Warning signs that need urgent check-up:

• Bleeding between periods.
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
• Bleeding after menopause.
• Persistent foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
• Pelvic pain or pain during sex.

Even one of these symptoms should lead to a prompt gynecologist visit; do not self-medicate or wait for it to “settle”.

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer: HPV Vaccine and Screening

• The strongest way to prevent cervical cancer in India is a combination of HPV vaccination and regular cervical cancer screening

HPV Vaccine in India: Who Should Take It?

• HPV vaccination protects against the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers, especially types 16 and 18.​
• In India, 70–80% of cervical cancers are linked to HPV 16 and 18, so vaccination can prevent a major share of cases.​

• Best given before first sexual exposure (typically in early adolescence).
• Can also be given to young adults after discussing with the doctor.
• Approved vaccines are safe, well-studied, and recommended by global and Indian experts.​
• HPV vaccination does not promote early sexual activity; it protects against future cancer.​

India is working on including HPV vaccination in the national immunization program to protect school-going girls at scale.​

Cervical Cancer Screening Tests: Pap Smear, HPV Test, VIA

• Pap smear: A simple test where cells from the cervix are collected and checked for abnormal or precancerous changes.​
• HPV test: Detects high-risk HPV types; increasingly preferred as a primary screening test worldwide.​
• VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic acid): Low-cost screening method used in many government programs, especially in resource-limited settings.​
• When pre-cancer is detected, treatment is simple and highly effective, preventing progression to invasive cervical cancer.​

Even if you are vaccinated, you still need cervical cancer screening later in life because vaccines do not cover every HPV type.
Common Myths That Cost Lives

❌ “I have no symptoms, so I’m fine”
✔️ Most early cervical cancers have no symptoms

❌ “This won’t happen in educated families”
✔️ HPV does not see education, income, or lifestyle

❌ “Cancer means death”
✔️ Early-detected cervical cancer is highly curable

WHO Goal: Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Our Lifetime

• WHO aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by achieving 90% HPV vaccination, 70% screening coverage, and 90% treatment of detected cases.​
• If India scales up HPV vaccination and ensures even two good-quality cervical screenings in a woman’s lifetime, cervical cancer could become rare by 2070–2079

What Every Indian Family Can Do This January

• Talk to your gynecologist about HPV vaccination for eligible girls and young women.
• Encourage women aged 30–65 to get a Pap smear or HPV test as advised.
• Do not ignore abnormal bleeding, discharge, or pelvic pain.
• Share accurate cervical cancer awareness information in family WhatsApp groups or workplace groups.
• Support women to overcome fear and stigma and attend screening camps in your city.

A Message From My Clinic

As an oncologist, nothing hurts more than seeing a cancer that didn’t have to reach this stage.

Cervical cancer gives us:

• Time
• Warning
• Tools to prevent it

We must use them. Get Directions here

What You Can Do Today 

✔️ Talk to your doctor about HPV vaccination
✔️ Encourage women in your family to get screened
✔️ Do not ignore abnormal bleeding
✔️ Share awareness — one conversation can save a life

About the Author

Dr. Saadvik Raghuram Y is a Medical Oncologist based in Hyderabad, dedicated to evidence-based cancer care, early detection, and public health awareness.

FAQ – Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in India: How to Prevent a Avoidable Cancer

Q1. Why is January observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in India?
January is marked as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to educate the public about cervical cancer symptoms, HPV vaccination, and the importance of regular screening to prevent deaths.

Q2. At what age should girls receive the HPV vaccine in India?
The HPV vaccine is generally recommended for adolescent girls before sexual debut, with exact age schedules decided by national and state guidelines and the treating doctor.

Q3. How often should women go for cervical cancer screening?
Screening frequency depends on the test used and national guidelines, but women between 30–65 years are usually advised periodic Pap smears or HPV tests after consulting their gynecologist.