India's Cervical Cancer Crisis: Unlocking Tools for Elimination

• Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women in India and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, despite being 100% preventable.
• The disease is caused by high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) strains, offering two intervention windows: primary prevention (vaccination) and secondary prevention (screening).
• An indigenous quadrivalent HPV vaccine has been rolled out, but faces hurdles like cost, parental consent, and misinformation, requiring targeted public health campaigns.
• For women who missed vaccination, screening methods like Pap Smear, VIA, and especially HPV-DNA Molecular testing (recommended by WHO) are crucial for early detection.
• Overcoming socio-cultural barriers, stigma, and ensuring equitable access through ASHA workers, existing health schemes, and decentralized testing are vital for success.

Why It Matters: India must prioritize HPV vaccination and widespread screening to eliminate cervical cancer, overcoming access and awareness barriers.