Published on 17 Feb 2025
Cervical cancer is a major health concern characterized by malignant growth in the cervix, often caused by persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).It is the fourth most common cancer globally and the second most common in India.
Causes of cervical cancer
✔ High-Risk HPV: Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains, particularly types 16 and 18, causes 70% of cervical cancer cases.
✔ Early Onset of Sexual Activity: Starting sex at a young age raises the risk of HPV infection, a major cause of cervical cancer.
✔ Multiple Sexual Partners: Having many sexual partners increases the risk of HPV transmission and cervical cancer.
✔ Tobacco Smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of cervical cancer by making it harder to clear HPV infections.
✔ Immunosuppression: Weakened immunity from conditions or medications increases the risk of cervical cancer by hindering HPV clearance.
✔ Long-Term Oral Contraceptive Use: Extended use of oral contraceptives slightly increases cervical cancer risk, especially in women with persistent HPV infections.
Govt initiatives to eradicate cervical cancer
✔ Indigenous Vaccine Development: India’s Cervavac, the first indigenous quadrivalent HPV vaccine, offers accessibility and affordability against types 6, 11, 16, and 18.
✔ U-WIN Portal Rollout: The U-WIN portal, akin to Co-WIN, will monitor HPV vaccinations and other immunizations across the country.
✔ Sikkim’s Successful Model: Sikkim reached a 97% HPV vaccination rate through effective community education and outreach initiatives.
✔ Promotes HPV vaccination: The Interim Budget 2024-25 promotes HPV vaccination for girls aged 9-14 to reduce the future burden of cervical cancer in India.
✔ National Cancer Grid: Connects cancer centres across India.
✔ Awareness campaigns: on World Cancer Day (4th February).
Global initiatives
✔ WHO’s ‘90-70-90’ Targets: By 2030, the WHO aims for 90% of girls to be vaccinated by age 15, 70% of women to be screened by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of cervical cancer cases to be treated.
✔ Rwanda’s Campaign: HPV prevalence decreased notably among women who took part in the 2011 catch-up vaccination program.
✔ Bhutan’s Leadership: It was the first low-middle income country to start HPV vaccination for girls in 2010 and boys in 2021, achieving 95% coverage among girls.
Way forward
✔ Improving Screening Rates: Expand access with self-sampling HPV tests and community health workers.
● Example: Australia boosts screening rates with self-sampling HPV tests.
✔ Investing in Health Infrastructure: Strengthen tertiary care centres for early cancer detection and management.
● Example: The UK has specialized cancer centres for advanced diagnostics and treatment.
✔ Capacity Building of Healthcare Workers: Train nurses and ASHAs for screenings, awareness, and patient linkage.
● Example: Kenya trains community health workers to improve screening and awareness.
✔ Partnerships and Technology Innovation: Leverage global partnerships and emerging technologies like AI for better prevention and treatment.
● Example: Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) partners with countries to advance HPV vaccination and screening.
✔ Generating Awareness: Conduct local campaigns to address stigma and misconceptions about cervical cancer.
● Example: Brazil’s national campaigns have increased awareness and screening rates.
✔ Comprehensive National Program: Implement a universal cervical cancer control program for all women.
● Example: India’s National TB Elimination Program can guide a similar cervical cancer program.
✔ Provide Immediate Treatment: Offer cryotherapy at primary health centres for prompt treatment.
● Example: India’s National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) provides cryotherapy at select primary health centres for cervical abnormalities.
Social Justice
Cervical cancer
Human papillomavirus
U-WIN Portal
Cervavac
GAVI
General Studies Paper 2
Social Justice
Related Articles