From Awareness to Action: How Early Screening and Technology Are Changing India’s Cervical Cancer

As Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Gains Momentum across India, healthcare experts say the country is at a pivotal point where there is an increase in awareness, improvement in access to screening and advancements in medical technology are beginning to change outcomes for women.

Once considered as the silent and usual disease due to late detection, cervical cancer is continuously recognised as one of the most preventable and treatable cancers – provided that timely screening and intervention are prioritised.

India accounts for nearly 18 per cent of the global cervical cancer burden, with around 1.2 lakh new cases reported on an annual basis as per the global health estimates. However, clinicians note that narrative is slowly changing.

With the wider availability of Pap smear tests, HPV screening, vaccination awareness, and minimally invasive treatment options, more women are now being diagnosed at a very early stage, significantly improving the rate of survival and quality of life as well.

“Cervical Cancer prevention has observed a marked improvement over the last few years, especially in the urban centres. We are seeing more women proactively coming for routine screening, often before the symptoms develop. Early stage of detection allows us to intervene effectively, sometimes even without the need for extensive surgery,” said Dr Swati Singh, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Apollo Spectra Hospital Delhi

Doctors also pointed out that awareness campaigns, initiatives related to corporate wellness and better access to gynaecological consultations are also helping to normalise preventive screening among working-age women. This emphasis is also shifting from symptom-led visits to preventive healthcare behaviour.

A clinical expert from Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kanpur, highlighted that similar trends are emerging in Tier II cities as well. “There is a growing openness among women to discuss concerns regarding reproductive health and undergo regular screening. While gaps continue to remain, the progress is still encouraging. Education and counselling are playing a significant role in this particular change as the hospitals are increasingly integrating cervical screening into routine health check-up packages, said Dr Nikhat Siddiqui, Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kanpur

In smaller cities and semi-urban regions, improvement in secondary care infrastructure is helping to bridge long-standing gaps in access. “Earlier, women from surrounding districts often had to travel long distances for a relevant diagnosis and medical treatment. Today’s better-equipped centres and well-trained specialists are enabling earlier diagnosis locally, which makes a great difference in outcomes,s” said Dr Sahana Punneshetty, Consultant - Gynaecologic Oncology, Regency Healthcare Gorakhpur.

Public health data suggest that women diagnosed at an early stage of cervical cancer have a decent five-year survival rate exceeding 90 per cent, underscoring life saving potential of interventions led by screening.

Well-specialised hospitals focusing on the health of women are also playing an important role in strengthening preventive care. Dr Pankhuri Gautam, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur, said, “Awareness efforts are increasingly being embedded into routine maternal and reproductive healthcare. Women are usually more receptive to counselling during the antenatal and postnatal visits. This also provides an ideal opportunity to educate them regarding screening, vaccination and long-term reproductive health as well.”

Technology is further accelerating this positive shift. Dr Manini Patel, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Jaipur, said, “Advancements in diagnostics and minimally invasive procedures have transformed cervical cancer care. Modern imaging, precision diagnostics and minimally invasive surgeries allows for faster recovery and preserve quality of life, especially when the cancers are detected on early stage. This can also significantly reduce fear associated with treatment”.

Hospitals across the country believe that the combined impact of awareness, access, and medical innovation can make the elimination of cervical cancer a realistic and achievable goal. According to Dr Mansi Khanderia, Senior Medical Oncologist at SPARSH Hospitals, sustained focus is the key.

“Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers where prevention, early detection, and effective treatment intersect so clearly. With consistent investment in screening programs, public education, and healthcare infrastructure, India has the potential to significantly reduce the burden of this disease over the next decade.”

Experts agree that Cervical Cancer Awareness Month should not only highlight the challenges that remain, but also acknowledge the meaningful progress already being made. As conversations around women’s health become more open and healthcare systems continue to evolve, cervical cancer is increasingly being viewed not as an inevitable threat, but as a largely preventable condition, one that can be addressed through informed choices, timely screening, vaccination, and accessible, quality care.