AIIMS Starts Free Cervical Cancer Screening for Women as India Loses One Life Every 8 Minutes

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India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has launched a free cervical cancer screening programme through January under a public-interest initiative, at a time when India loses one woman every eight minutes to the disease. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, even though doctors say it is mostly preventable. As part of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Preventive Oncology at the Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital and the National Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the College of Nursing, is offering a World Health Organisation -recommended HPV testing, known as Cobas HPV/Hybrid Capture-2, follow-up care, and vaccination.

Why is cervical cancer so deadly in India?

Most cases of cervical cancer are detected at an advanced stage, mostly when treatment remains complex, and survival rates decrease. According to experts, limited awareness, hesitation around gynaecological check-ups, and poor access to screening—especially in rural and semi-urban areas—are major contributors. Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause, but early changes in the cervix often show no symptoms, making screening crucial. Doctors also say stigma around sexual health, early marriage, low condom use, and cultural reticence to discuss reproductive health impede efforts to prevent cervical cancer. By the time symptoms appear – which is often years after HPV infection – the cancer has often spread, making curative treatment difficult or impossible.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer begins on the surface of your cervix and happens when the cells start to change into precancerous cells. Human papillomavirus, or the HPV infection, causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. HPV is a virus that spreads through sexual contact. You can lower your risk of cervical cancer by getting regular cervical cancer screenings, like a pap smear, and receiving the HPV vaccine. According to doctors, cervical cancer often does not cause symptoms until it begins to spread. And that is why it is recommended to have regular screenings, and the HPV vaccine is so important. Cervical cancer is highly treatable when found in the early stages.

Warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer

Signs and symptoms of stage 1 cervical cancer can include:

• Watery or bloody vaginal discharge that can be heavy and have a foul odour.
• Vaginal bleeding after sex, between menstrual periods, or after menopause
• Pain during sex
• Difficult or painful urination, sometimes with blood in your urine
• Diarrhoea, pain, or bleeding from your rectum
• Fatigue, loss of weight, and appetite
• A general feeling of illness
• Dull backache or swelling in your legs
• Pelvic pain

If you experience abnormal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, or any other unexplained symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider.

Who is at risk for cervical cancer the most?

In many cases, you can have no known risk factors for cervical cancer. Other times, you may have one or more risk factors. Some risk factors within your control are:

Screening history

People who have not had Pap tests at regular intervals are more likely to get cervical cancer

HPV infection

Certain types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Lowering your risk for HPV can also lower your risk for cervical cancer

Sexual history

Having sexual intercourse before the age of 18 and having many sexual partners may put you at a higher risk of HPV infection.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of cervical cancer.

HIV infection

People with HIV have a higher-than-average risk of developing cervical cancer.

A weak immune system

Having a weak immune system makes your body unable to fight infections.