04/02/2026
Let's Fight for Cancer - on World Cancer Day 4th Feb
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, which contributes approximately one-fifth of the global burden. Despite being largely preventable, it accounts for nearly 10% of all female cancer deaths in the country.
Incidence & Mortality: Every year, approximately 1.27 lakh women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in India, leading to about 80,000 deaths.
Global Share: India contributes over 65% of the cervical cancer burden in the Southeast Asia Region.
Survival Rate: The overall 5-year relative survival rate in India is approximately 51.7%, which is lower than in high-income countries.
Risk Factors in the Indian Context
HPV Infection: Persistent infection with HPV types 16 and 18 is responsible for over 80% of cases in India.
Demographic Factors: Early marriage (often as young as 14–15 in some villages), early sexual debut, multiple pregnancies, and low condom use significantly increase risk.
Rural-Urban Divide: Rural women face a higher risk due to lower literacy, poor menstrual hygiene, and limited access to screening.
Prevention and Control
Vaccination (Primary Prevention):
Targets girls aged 9–14 years till the age of 45 under Doctor's Guidance
India recently announced plans in the 2024–2025 budget to promote cervical cancer vaccination.
Vaccines available include Cervarix (bivalent), Gardasil (quadrivalent).
