Cervical Cancer Surges in Young Women: India Faces Alarming Trend

• Cervical cancer, traditionally affecting older women, is now increasingly diagnosed in women in their 20s and 30s.
• India accounts for nearly one-fourth of global cervical cancer cases, with a worrying shift towards younger age groups.
• Early HPV exposure, lifestyle changes, smoking, weakened immunity, and low screening rates are key risk factors.
• Symptoms like irregular bleeding or unusual discharge are often ignored by younger women, delaying critical diagnosis.
• HPV vaccination is crucial but doesn't eliminate the need for regular Pap smears and HPV testing for early detection.

Why It Matters: Urgent awareness, regular screening, and proactive healthcare are vital to combat rising cervical cancer in young women.