Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix — the lower narrow part of the uterus. It is the second commonest cancer in Indian women. It is caused almost entirely by persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Cervical cancer is largely preventable — through HPV vaccination and screening.

Prevention — three layers

• HPV vaccine — most effective given between ages 9-14, ideally before sexual activity starts. Also effective up to 26. Two doses under 15, three doses over 15. Indian-made CERVAVAC (as well as imported vaccines) is available at accessible price points.
• Screening every 3-5 years for women 30-65 — Pap smear, or HPV DNA test, or visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) in community programmes. Any of these is far better than no screening.
• Condoms reduce HPV transmission somewhat but don't fully prevent — screening matters even for vaccinated women.

Symptoms (often late)

• Bleeding after sex.
• Bleeding between periods or after menopause.
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
• Pelvic pain, painful sex.
• Early cervical cancer and pre-cancer are silent — which is why screening is essential.

Diagnosis and staging

An abnormal screen is followed up with colposcopy and biopsy. Staging uses MRI or PET-CT. Pre-cancerous lesions can be treated simply (cryotherapy, LEEP) in a short clinic visit — which is why screening saves so many lives.

Treatment

• Early cancer — surgery (sometimes fertility-preserving); high cure rates.
• Locally advanced — concurrent chemotherapy + radiation; still largely curable.
• Advanced/recurrent — systemic therapy (chemotherapy, targeted, immunotherapy).
• Care at a centre with specialised gynaecological oncology gives the best outcomes.

India-specific practical points

• Cervical cancer screening is increasingly being integrated into primary care and government programmes — ask your ANM/ASHA or nearest government hospital.
• CERVAVAC (Serum Institute of India) has substantially lowered HPV vaccine cost; several states have launched school-based vaccination pilots for girls.
• Cancer surgery and chemotherapy for eligible patients are covered under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and many state schemes at empanelled hospitals.
• Avoid unregulated "natural cures" — cervical cancer missed at a curable stage becomes a deadly cancer that it did not have to be.