Cervical Cancer: Why is Late Detection a Major Problem in India?

• Cervical cancer is highly preventable and curable if detected early, yet it's often diagnosed at advanced stages in India.
• Low public awareness, inadequate screening infrastructure, and socio-cultural barriers contribute significantly to late detection.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost 99% of cases, making HPV vaccination a key preventive measure, but awareness is low.
• The disease progresses slowly and is often asymptomatic in early stages, leading women to seek medical help only when symptoms become severe.
• India's reliance on opportunistic screening and lack of organized programs miss high-risk women, further delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Why It Matters: Despite being preventable, cervical cancer is often detected late in India due to awareness gaps and screening issues.