India is expected to see an increase in cervical cancer cases, underscoring the need for therapies and attention. Lack of knowledge, socioeconomic inequality, cultural standards, and a deficient healthcare system are some of the factors causing this spike. A thorough plan is required to fight this complex challenge. This needs to take into account the growing risk to public health as well as the interrelated concerns. The main goals should include creating preventive care programs, increasing access to healthcare, and increasing public awareness.
Concerns about cervical cancer are growing in India, which is troubling the public health community. In 2025, there would be 15.7 lakh cancer cases nationwide, up from 14.6 lakh in 2022, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP).
LACK OF AWARENESS
The lack of knowledge and instruction about cervical cancer and its preventive measures is one of the main causes. In many parts of India, there is a dearth of information regarding the human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. Lack of access to healthcare services and a general lack of knowledge about the importance of routine screenings and vaccinations lead to delays in diagnosis and increased death rates.
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OF WOMEN
An important contributing element to the rise of cervical cancer is socioeconomic status. Women in low-income communities often face barriers to accessing healthcare, especially for preventive care like HPV vaccinations and routine screenings. The problem is exacerbated in rural areas by inadequate funding and healthcare facilities, which makes timely diagnosis and treatment more challenging. The problem is made worse by societal attitudes and cultural norms surrounding women’s health.
Delays in diagnosis are caused by stigmas associated with talking about reproductive health and a general reluctance to seek medical attention for gynaecological problems.
HPV TRANSMISSION
Furthermore, the risk of HPV transmission is raised by early marriages and a high frequency of various sexual partners, which are frequently caused by social conventions.
Despite the fact that screening rooms and
vaccinations are widely accessible, and their reach is limited and wide-ranging awareness campaigns often fail to meet expectations. Taking up the increasing cervical cancer incidence in India necessitates supporting the medical system, increasing awareness through targeted educational programs, and making preventive care more accessible.
The escalation of cervical cancer cases in India is a complex matter that is impacted by various causes such as insufficient healthcare facilities, cultural norms, socioeconomic inequality, and lack of knowledge.
