New Delhi: Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers all around the globe; however, it continues to claim the lives of thousands of women every year. What makes this fact increasingly haunting is the fact that despite multiple tools of prevention, awareness, vaccination and regular screening, they are being heavily underutilised. Clinical experts and doctors across India are also noticing gaps in lifestyle, low awareness and missed screenings, which in turn lead to the continued burden of cervical cancer among women.

In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Rujul Jhaveri, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, explained how lifestyle mistakes combined with delayed screening.

Why Cervical Cancer Continues to Be Diagnosed Late

Unlike the many other cancers that make themselves evident with noticeable signs and symptoms, cervical cancer often does not show any early warning signs and progresses quite slowly. A lot of women do not even experience any noticeable symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage, at which point the treatment becomes more complex. In busy urban and semi-urban settings, routine gynaecological check-ups are frequently delayed or avoided altogether, allowing precancerous changes to go undetected. Common reasons for delayed diagnosis include:

Lack of awareness about cervical screening

1. Hesitation or stigma around gynaecological exams
2. Absence of symptoms leading to false reassurance

The Crucial Role of Screening in Cervical Health

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. Regular screening through Pap smears and HPV testing helps identify precancerous changes before they evolve, allowing swift and effective intervention. Women are encouraged to begin screening as advised by their gynaecologist, even in the absence of symptoms.

HPV Infection: The Root Cause We Can Prevent

Persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. While HPV is extremely common and often clears on its own, certain strains can lead to cellular changes over time if not detected early. Vaccination against HPV is one of the first and foremost steps which will help to prevent the disease right at the source.

From Paediatric Clinics to Cancer Prevention

Vaccination in childhood and adolescence for the prevention of cervical cancer is a largely overlooked aspect. HPV vaccines are most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, making early adolescence an ideal window for prevention. Paediatric and adolescent health clinics are increasingly becoming important touchpoints for initiating conversations around HPV vaccination and long-term cancer prevention. Normalising vaccination at a younger age can significantly reduce cervical cancer risk later in life, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention.

A Preventable Cancer That Should Not Be Ignored

Cervical cancer does not emerge overnight. It develops and progresses slowly over the years, offering multiple opportunities for detection and identification. Cervical Health Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that preventive healthcare is of utmost importance. With the right combination of awareness, vaccination and routine checkups and screenings, cervical cancer can be prevented, not just treated.