When was the last time you thought about getting screened for cervical cancer? Many women ignore this simple test, assuming they feel healthy, but cervical cancer often develops quietly, without any symptoms in the early stages. This makes screening not just important, but lifesaving.
In India, cervical cancer screening rates are comparatively low. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), only 1.9% of women aged 30–49 have ever been screened. Urban areas show a slightly better rate of 2.2%, while rural areas stand at 1.7%. Even in the best-performing states, like Tamil Nadu, screening is only 9.8%—far below the WHO recommendation of 70%.
Shockingly, 89.2% of women in India still lack proper awareness about cervical cancer symptoms, risk factors, or screening methods. Against this backdrop, Dr. Hemasree Garlapati, Consultant Obstetrician, Cosmetic Gynaecologist, Infertility & Laparoscopic Surgeon of Malla Reddy Narayana Hospital, Hyderabad, throws light on why cervical cancer screening is crucial and how early detection can save lives.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The primary cause is a persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), especially types 16 and 18. Most HPV infections clear naturally, but when they don’t, they can lead to precancerous changes and, eventually, cancer. It is important to note that 5–11% of cervical cancers are HPV-negative, making early screening and timely attention even more vital.
Why Screening Matters?
Cervical cancer develops slowly, often over many years. This gives doctors a window of opportunity to detect abnormal cell changes before they turn into cancer. Screening is not about waiting for symptoms; it is about preventing the disease.
1. Detects Precancerous Changes Early
Screening can identify cell abnormalities long before cancer develops, allowing simple treatments to stop the disease in its earliest stages.
2. Improves Survival Rates
When cervical cancer is detected at Stage 1, the five-year survival rate is around 95%. If detected at Stage 4, this drops dramatically to 15%. Early detection truly saves lives.
3. Helps Prevent Cancer Entirely
Tests like the HPV test can detect high-risk HPV infections. Treating these infections early can prevent the cancer from developing at all.
4. Avoids Complicated Treatments
When abnormalities are caught early, simple procedures such as LEEP or cryotherapy may be enough, avoiding major surgeries, chemotherapy, or radiation.
5. Saves Healthcare Costs
Treatment of advanced cervical cancer is far more expensive and challenging. Regular screening reduces long-term healthcare costs for both women and families.
What Are the Screening Options?
Two main screening methods are recommended based on age:
- Pap Test (Ages 25–29): A doctor collects cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities. It is a quick, safe, and effective test that detects early cell changes.
- HPV Test (Ages 30 and Above): Also done like a Pap test, this test checks for high-risk HPV infections that cause cervical cancer. It does not detect cancer directly but identifies who is at higher risk.
Self-Sampling: A New, Comfortable Option
To make screening easier, many countries now offer HPV self-sampling kits. Women can collect their own vaginal swab samples in a clinic or private setting. Studies show that over 80% of women find self-sampling easy and more comfortable than doctor-administered tests. While India is still working toward implementing this widely, it represents a promising step toward reducing screening barriers. Self-sampling is just as accurate as doctor-collected samples for detecting high-risk HPV.
Who Should Get Screened and How Often?
Experts recommend:
- Ages 25–29: Pap test every 3 years
- Ages 30 and above: HPV test every 5 years
- Even women who are not sexually active should get screened because HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact, and some cervical cancers occur without HPV.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet India’s screening rates remain extremely low. Regular screening can detect early changes, prevent cancer from developing, and ensure better treatment outcomes.
At Malla Reddy Narayana Hospital, Hyderabad, our gynaecology team is dedicated to promoting women’s health through advanced screening, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and compassionate care. We encourage every woman to take charge of her well-being. Early detection saves lives. Book your cervical cancer screening at Malla Reddy Narayana Hospital today and safeguard your health for the future.
