Cervical Cancer is 100% Preventable Yet Millions Ignore Screening. Here’s Why That Must Change

Early diagnosis and HPV vaccines could eliminate cervical cancer worldwide. Dr. Avir Sarkar, Assistant Professor at NIIMS Medical College & Hospital, explains why awareness and screening are the key to survival.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting women worldwide. Despite medical advancements, it remains the fourth most common cancer among women, with over 570,000 new cases reported globally each year. In India alone, more than 123,000 women are diagnosed annually, making it the second most common cancer among Indian women after breast cancer, according to ICMR.
Dr. Avir Sarkar, Assistant Professor at NIIMS Medical College & Hospital, emphasizes that early screening, HPV vaccination, and lifestyle changes can drastically reduce the risk of cervical cancer. However, a lack of awareness and regular testing continues to be a major hurdle in eradicating this preventable disease.
According to Dr. Avir Sarkar, HPV vaccines and regular screenings are life-saving tools. If all women undergo regular Pap smears and receive the HPV vaccine, cervical cancer cases could be virtually eliminated.

Cervical cancer develops when cells in the cervix grow uncontrollably, often due to a persistent infection by human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus transmitted primarily through sexual contact. While many HPV infections resolve naturally, certain high-risk strains, especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, cause nearly 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases. Several factors can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, including smoking, a weakened immune system, long-term use of contraceptives, multiple sexual partners, and a history of other sexually transmitted infections.
The HPV vaccine is a powerful preventive measure, offering protection against the most common cancer-causing HPV strains. Studies from WHO confirm that HPV vaccination reduces the risk of cervical cancer by nearly 90 percent when administered before exposure to the virus. The vaccine is recommended for boys and girls around the ages of 11 or 12, though catch-up vaccination is available up to age 26. Despite its effectiveness, vaccine coverage remains low in India due to a lack of awareness and accessibility challenges. Expanding HPV vaccination programs could drastically cut future cervical cancer cases.

Regular Pap smears and HPV tests can detect cervical abnormalities long before they develop into cancer. Early detection allows for timely treatment, increasing the chances of a full recovery. Medical experts recommend that women begin Pap tests at age 21 and repeat them every three years. From age 30, women may opt for co-testing, combining Pap and HPV tests every five years if initial results are normal.
According to Dr. Avir Sarkar, screening is just as critical as vaccination. A single Pap test can detect abnormal cells years before cancer develops, giving women the best chance at early intervention. Despite the availability of screening programs, many women in India never undergo a single Pap smear. Increasing awareness about routine screening could significantly reduce cervical cancer-related deaths.
Beyond vaccination and screening, certain lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of cervical cancer. A strong immune system plays a crucial role in clearing HPV infections before they cause long-term harm. Medical professionals recommend quitting smoking, practicing safe sex, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. Encouraging these habits alongside widespread vaccination and screening programs can significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer in India.

Cervical cancer is preventable through early diagnosis, HPV vaccination, and regular screening. The medical community, along with government health programs, must ensure that every woman has access to these life-saving services. Public health campaigns should focus on dispelling myths surrounding the HPV vaccine, improving screening accessibility, and integrating cervical cancer prevention into routine healthcare visits.
According to Dr. Avir Sarkar, we need collective action from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to make HPV vaccination and regular screening a priority. Cervical cancer survival rates improve dramatically with early intervention. By increasing awareness and preventive measures, India can move closer to eliminating this disease as a major public health concern.

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