Over 10.18 Crore Women Screened For Cervical Cancer In India; Experts Urge For A 3-Pronged Preventive Strategy

In a major milestone for women’s health, over 10.18 crore women aged 35 years and above have been screened for cervical cancer across the country under the Union Health Ministry’s population-based initiative for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The screening is being carried out through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) under the National Health Mission (NHM) and reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening preventive and community-based healthcare.

According to data from the National NCD Portal, as of July 20, 2025, more than 10.18 crore women have been screened out of a total eligible population of 25.42 crore women in the 35 years and above age group. The data was shared by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with certain high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While largely preventable through early screening and HPV vaccination, the disease remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India.

Common symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after sexual intercourse, between periods, or after menopause, unusual vaginal discharge with a foul odour, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and longer or heavier menstrual periods. Experts caution that the early stages are often asymptomatic, making regular screening vital for early detection and treatment.

The screening is primarily conducted using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method by trained healthcare workers at Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres under the AAM framework. Women who test VIA-positive are referred to higher centres for further diagnostic evaluation and timely follow-up care.

In addition to domestic efforts, India has committed a grant of USD 7.5 million to support cervical cancer testing and diagnosis in the Indo-Pacific region. The initiative was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Cancer Moonshot event, hosted by US President Joe Biden during the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Delaware.

At the grassroots, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a crucial role in identifying at-risk individuals through the Community Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC). They assist in mobilising women for screenings, promote awareness of early detection, and help encourage lifestyle modifications for long-term prevention.

To accelerate screening coverage, the Ministry launched a focused NCD Screening Campaign from 20th February to 31st March 2025, targeting individuals aged 30 years and above. According to the Minister, the campaign significantly contributed to reaching the 10-crore milestone.

Dr. Pallavi Shukla, Associate Professor of Preventive Oncology at Dr. B.R.A. IRCH, AIIMS Delhi, said that a three-tiered strategy as per WHO guidelines is the need of the hour to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. “In adolescence, HPV vaccination should be coupled with health education on menstrual hygiene and sexual health. In the reproductive years, women must undergo screening using Pap tests, HPV DNA tests, or VIA,” she advised.

Dr. Parnamita Bhattacharya, gynaecologist and obstetrician at CMRI Kolkata, too emphasised the importance of regular Pap tests, suggesting that women aged 20–25 should be screened every three years, and those above 50 should continue screening at regular intervals.

“The Government’s vision—‘Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat’—aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2070 through a comprehensive strategy that includes widespread HPV vaccination, regular screenings, and timely treatment,” she added. “To truly tackle cervical cancer, we must shift the narrative. HPV is not only a women’s issue—it is a public health concern that requires collective effort.”