Cervical cancer surge in India: Doctors advise women in 30s to start regular screening with pap smears and HPV testing

The female reproductive system is beautiful but is quite complex, as they suffer from various health issues ranging from endometriosis and PCOS/PCOD to infertility. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in cervical cancer cases. Ahead of World Cancer Day, let's learn everything about?cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India and is the second leading cause of death in women. According to the National Cancer Registry Programme 2023, over 340,000 cases have been reported in India.?Cervical cancer arises through disordered growth of the cells. They can become malignant in response to a persistent infection with high-risk human strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).

The process, taking 10-20 years to complete, in which a cell transforms from a normal structure to a malignancy includes progressive precancerous stages referred to as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). “Though the virus is, in fact, sexually transmitted and the most prominent cause, other risk factors, such as smoking, weakened immunity, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and having several children, may expedite the whole process,” says Dr. Shweta Mendiratta, associate director of gynaecology at Marengo Asia Hospital, Faridabad.

Reasons why India is witnessing a spike in cervical cancer cases

In the early stages, there are no symptoms, and thus one needs to go for regular screening through Pap smears and HPV testing, ideally in the early 30s.

Without treatment, the cancer will invade deeper cervical tissues and can spread (metastasise) to nearby organs such as the bladder, rectum, or far-off sites such as the lung and liver. According to Dr. Mendiratta, “In its developed stage, cervical cancer presents with symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and foul-smelling discharge.”

“Vaccination against HPV, screening performed early, and modifying lifestyles offer a major deterrent against cervical cancer diagnoses. Other emerging research supports studies on genetic tendencies and microbiome imbalances in cervical health,” adds Dr. Mendiratta.

How cervical cancer develops: Know the role of HPV and abnormal cell growth

Cervical cancer awareness in India suffers from stigma, poor health education, and social barriers, causing delayed diagnosis and treatment. “Even with improvements in vaccination and screening, it remains an important health problem. Recognising the first symptoms is important; these include intermenstrual and post-intercourse bleeding and excessive discharge per vaginum, but for the most part, it remains asymptomatic,” says Dr. Rubina Shanawaz Z, Senior Consultant, Uro-Gynaecology, Gynaec-Oncology, Robotic Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road.?

Lack of awareness and access to screening leads to higher mortality rates in low-resource settings, further emphasising that global preventive efforts are necessary. Dr. Shanawaz says, “Considerably raising awareness of cervical cancer and actively promoting HPV vaccination are analytically important for effectively managing the disease in India, and the implementation of regular screenings is also important for its complete elimination.”

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