The fight to eliminate cervical cancer

Source: The post “The fight to eliminate cervical cancer” has been created, based on “The fight to eliminate cervical cancer” published in “The Hindu” on 29 March 2026. The fight to eliminate cervical cancer.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3-Science and technology

Context: Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue caused primarily by persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer, with India as a key participant.

Burden of Cervical Cancer

1. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, with nearly one lakh new cases annually.
2. It disproportionately affects women in low- and middle-income settings due to a lack of awareness and healthcare access.
3. The disease leads to high morbidity, mortality, and socio-economic burden, especially among younger women.

Role of Screening

1. Screening methods such as Pap smear and visual inspection help detect precancerous stages like Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN).
2. Early detection allows simple and effective treatment without the need for major surgery.
3. Regular screening can significantly reduce incidence and mortality rates.

Role of HPV Vaccination

1. HPV vaccination provides primary prevention by protecting against high-risk virus strains such as HPV 16 and 18.
2. Scientific evidence shows that even a single dose can protect around 85–90 per cent.
3. The vaccine has a strong safety profile with no major adverse effects reported on fertility or overall health.
4. Countries that introduced vaccination early have already seen a decline in pre-cancer and cancer rates.

Global Targets and India’s Efforts

1. The World Health Organisation (WHO) aims to achieve elimination through the 90-70-90 targets by 2030.
2. These include vaccinating 90 per cent of girls, screening 70 per cent of women, and treating 90 per cent of detected cases.
3. India has recently launched a national HPV vaccination campaign to expand coverage among adolescent girls.

Challenges in Elimination

1. India faces an inadequate screening infrastructure and a shortage of trained manpower for large-scale implementation.
2. Screening coverage remains low, with less than 5 per cent of eligible women being screened.
3. There are delays in diagnosis and poor follow-up due to weak referral systems and low compliance.
4. Social stigma, lack of awareness, and limited health-seeking behaviour further hinder early detection.

Way Forward

1. There is a need to strengthen primary healthcare systems for widespread screening and vaccination.
2. Public awareness campaigns must be intensified to address stigma and misinformation.
3. Integration of screening with existing health programmes can improve outreach and efficiency.
4. Greater investment in healthcare infrastructure and workforce is essential for achieving targets.

Conclusion: Eliminating cervical cancer is achievable through a combination of effective vaccination, early screening, and timely treatment. With sustained political commitment and public health efforts, India can significantly reduce the burden and move towards a cancer-free future.

Question: Discuss the challenges in eliminating cervical cancer in India and examine the role of HPV vaccination and screening in achieving this goal.

Source: The Hindu