Explainer: Government Takes Action To Eliminate Cervical Cancer, Experts Share Prevention Tips
The Government of India is promoting HPV vaccination for girls aged 9-14 to prevent cervical cancer, offering it free of charge. Experts highlight early detection, regular screenings, safe sexual practices, and lifestyle changes as key preventive measures. India sees over 1.24 lakh annual cervical cancer cases, with a high mortality rate.
- By: Ashish Maharishi
- Published: Apr 1, 2025 at 01:00 PM
New Delhi: The Government of India is actively promoting vaccination and awareness initiatives to prevent cervical cancer. As part of this effort, the government is promoting the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, which is being administered free of cost to girls aged 9 to 14 years. A provision for this has also been made in the Union Budget. Experts emphasise that apart from the HPV vaccine, cervical cancer can be prevented through safe sexual practices and positive lifestyle changes.
According to a report by the HPV Information Centre, approximately 1.24 lakh women in India are diagnosed with cervical and uterine cancer annually, with 77348 women succumbing to the disease.
While presenting the 2024-25 budget, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a vaccination program to prevent uterine and cervical cancer, sparking a widespread discussion across the country.
In September 2024, the Central Government launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative in collaboration with the US, Australia, and Japan to eliminate cervical cancer. This initiative focuses on early stage detection, effective treatment, and expanding cervical cancer screening and vaccination programs.
Causes Of Cervical Cancer:
According to Prof Manoj Pandey, Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, cervical cancer is primarily caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It is one of the most common cancers among women in India. The best preventive measures include regular checkups and timely HPV vaccination. Consult a doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms.
Dr Kalpana Shrivastava, a senior gynaecologist from Delhi, emphasises that early detection is crucial. If symptoms of cervical cancer appear, seeking medical advice promptly is essential, as delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications.
What is cervical cancer?
Dr Shrivastava explains cervical cancer in detail and explains that the uterus is where foetal development occurs, while the cervix serves as the bridge between the uterus and the vagina. This cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the uterus and cervix. The primary cause is HPV, which has over 100 different strains.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
In the initial stages, cervical cancer often shows no noticeable symptoms. It can take years for symptoms to appear, and they usually become evident as the disease progresses. According to Dr Shrivastava, the key symptoms of cervical cancer include: foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain and bleeding during intercourse, mild back pain, and swelling in the legs.
How to prevent cervical cancer
Doctors emphasise that awareness and regular checkups play a crucial role in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. If you notice any symptoms, seeking medical attention promptly is essential, as ignoring them can have serious consequences. Dr Pandey advises practicing safe sex, as having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Dr Shrivastava highlights that regular screenings can significantly reduce the risk, and early detection can save thousands of lives.
Disclaimer: This article has been written with insights from medical experts. The information provided is for information only. Please consult your doctor for personalised medical advice.
Conclusion: The Government of India is promoting HPV vaccination for girls aged 9-14 to prevent cervical cancer, offering it free of charge. Experts highlight early detection, regular screenings, safe sexual practices, and lifestyle changes as key preventive measures. India sees over 1.24 lakh annual cervical cancer cases, with a high mortality rate.
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