India is placed fourth worldwide in cervical cancer incidence, with over 2.5 lakh active cases, a figure that is often highlighted but shows little improvement on the ground. Despite extensive discussions on the issue, tangible progress remains elusive as efforts are often disconnected from grassroots initiatives.
Cervical cancer in India carries unfair stigma, associated with moral judgement and sexual promiscuity, which hinders conversations about sexual health. This lack of open dialogue leaves young women uninformed and hesitant to seek help. While there is a shift in societal attitudes, educational institutions like schools and colleges still primarily focus on menstruation and pregnancy, neglecting important aspects of post-adolescent sexual wellness. A comprehensive, bottom-up approach is crucial to equip women with the knowledge and resources to combat this disease. Moreover, men must be encouraged to support women in prioritizing their health and actively participate in finding solutions rather than being passive bystanders.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and it is highly transmissible among men and women. It is imperative to prioritize timely and regular screening for eligible women, recommended for ages 30-65, and from age 25 for those who are HIV positive. Screening for cervical cancer is advised even in the absence of symptoms and for women who have received the HPV vaccine. Various international guidelines recommend HPV screening as the primary method in well-resourced settings, yet the HPV vaccine remains underutilized.
Starting interventions in late teens or early 20s may be too late to provide critical information on prevention, detection, and treatment. Social taboos and cultural shame further deter young people from seeking self-education, trapping them in a cycle of ignorance and embarrassment. Effective intervention should begin in schools targeting adolescents aged 15-16, with a focus on sexual wellness education. Colleges can integrate regular HPV screenings and cytology-based tests into their health programs to promote preventive health practices. Women who feel self-conscious can be provided with affordable self-collection kits for HPV screening.
The fight against cervical cancer in India demands more than just policy measures or isolated campaigns. It requires a collective effort from society to break taboos and embed sexual health education in school curriculums. Both men and women must be included in this endeavor, with a focus on regular screening for women and the non-negotiable uptake of HPV vaccination.
While experts and policymakers can offer guidance, the real change must come from families, educators, and communities working together to dismantle the stigma around sexual health. Only then can we move beyond statistics and ensure a healthier future for all. (Writer is Managing Director, BD India-South Asia).
(Disclaimer: The BD portfolio includes diagnostic tests for cervical cancer).
Share Article Published on January 26, 2025.
