Cervical Cancer India
In a country where rising cancer numbers are making headlines, cervical cancer remains one of the clearest examples of a preventable disease that continues to claim lives. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP), an estimated 35,691 women in India died from cervical cancer in 2023. Despite being largely preventable, the disease is still often detected late.
Global evidence underscores the urgency. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that up to 40% of all cancer cases could be prevented through better awareness and early detection, making cervical cancer a major public health priority.
"Cervical cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India, despite being largely preventable," says Dr. Shruthi Shivdas, Consultant Gynaecologic Oncology at Cytecare Hospitals. "Every year, thousands of women are diagnosed at advanced stages, where treatment becomes more complex and outcomes less favourable."
She explains that gaps in awareness and access remain key barriers. "The biggest gaps remain in awareness and timely screening. Many women are either unaware of early warning signs or hesitant to undergo routine gynaecological check-ups due to social stigma, fear, or lack of access to healthcare facilities," Dr. Shruthi explains. "Additionally, myths around cervical cancer, low prioritization of preventive health, and limited outreach in semi-urban and rural areas contribute to delayed diagnosis."
The impact of delayed detection is severe. Nearly two-thirds of cervical cancer cases in India are diagnosed at Stage II or beyond, when treatment becomes more intensive and survival rates decline.
"At Cytecare, we often see patients coming in at Stage II or III, when the disease could have been detected much earlier through simple Pap smears or HPV testing," says Dr. Shruthi. "Such late-stage diagnoses not only complicate treatment but also drastically reduce survival chances."
Early detection remains the strongest defence. "Regular screening and HPV vaccination are the two most powerful tools we have to reduce the burden of cervical cancer," she says. "Pap smears and HPV tests can detect pre-cancerous changes long before they turn into cancer, enabling timely intervention. HPV vaccination, a preventive vaccine that, when administered at the recommended age, significantly lowers the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life." The WHO estimates that scaling up screening and HPV vaccine coverage could prevent up to 70% of cervical cancer deaths globally.
Despite this, uptake in India remains limited. "Uptake remains low due to lack of awareness, misconceptions about vaccine safety, and limited availability in public health programs," Dr. Shruthi notes. "Healthcare systems must focus on school-based vaccination drives, subsidized screening programs, and mobile clinics that reach underserved communities."
At Cytecare Hospitals, care follows a comprehensive, patient-centric approach. "At Cytecare Hospitals, cervical cancer care is built around early detection, multidisciplinary expertise, and patient-centric treatment," Dr. Shruthi explains.
Beyond clinical care, Cytecare has expanded community engagement. "During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2026, we conducted community outreach programs, including subsidized screening camps, awareness sessions led by our specialists, and collaborations with corporate partners and NGOs to extend our reach to underserved populations," she says.
"Our goal is not just to treat cervical cancer but to prevent it, by empowering women with knowledge, access, and high-quality care," Dr. Shruthi signs off.
With sustained awareness and stronger preventive strategies, experts believe India can still rewrite its cervical cancer story.
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