HPV Vaccine Plus Early Detection Key to Defeating Cervical Cancer: Experts

Experts emphasized that vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) combined with early detection through screening and timely treatment can effectively eliminate cervical cancer, a disease that continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality among women in India and worldwide.

The call came during the 16th World Cancer Cervix Eradication Day-2026 event held at the Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer (AHPGIC) in Cuttack on Wednesday. Specialists addressing the theme ‘Cervical Cancer in India: From Burden to Surveillance’ highlighted that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Indian women, largely due to persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains. They stressed that the availability of effective HPV vaccines, advanced screening methods such as Pap smears and HPV DNA testing, and prompt intervention for precancerous lesions offer a clear pathway to prevention and eradication.

Renowned gynaecologist Dr K Lakshmi Bai was honored with the 'Papanicolaou Samman' during the occasion for her lifelong dedication to the cause, including donating her entire life savings to support cervical cancer awareness and prevention efforts. Experts noted that increasing public knowledge about HPV vaccination—ideally administered to girls between ages 9 and 14 for maximum efficacy—and encouraging regular screening for women can dramatically lower incidence rates. Community participation and strengthened healthcare systems were identified as essential to overcoming barriers like low awareness and limited access in rural and underserved areas.

Also Read: PM Modi Launches Nationwide Free HPV Vaccine Drive For 14-Year-Old Girls To Prevent Cervical Cancer

In India, where cervical cancer accounts for a substantial share of female cancer cases, the disease is largely preventable, aligning with global goals set by the World Health Organization to achieve elimination through targets of vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15, screening 70% of women with high-performance tests by ages 35 and 45, and treating 90% of detected cases. Recent national initiatives, including expanded HPV vaccination drives and integration into public health programs, reflect growing momentum toward these objectives, though challenges in coverage and awareness persist.

The discussions underscored the dual strategy of primary prevention via vaccination to block HPV infection before exposure and secondary prevention through routine screening to catch and treat abnormalities early, when outcomes are far better. As cervical cancer often progresses without noticeable symptoms in its initial stages, experts reiterated that proactive measures—rather than waiting for signs—remain the most powerful tools in reducing the burden on families and the healthcare system.

Broader implications include potential long-term reductions in treatment costs and improved quality of life for women, particularly in high-burden regions like eastern India. Stakeholders continue to advocate for sustained awareness campaigns, policy support, and equitable access to vaccines and screening to turn the tide against this preventable disease.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh To Begin Free HPV Vaccination Drive On February 28