20/01/2026
is preventable—so why is it still detected late? 🩺
In India, many women are diagnosed only when cervical cancer has already progressed. Persistent HPV infection causes most cases, but low awareness, poor screening uptake, and social stigma continue to delay timely diagnosis.
The reality is that cervical cancer can be prevented, detected early, and even cured through routine Pap smears, HPV testing, and vaccination. Early stages often show no symptoms, making regular screening critical for early intervention.
In her contributory article on , our Dr Kunjal Lila (Head, Department & Consultant – Surgical Pathology) highlights how neglecting early warning signs and skipping routine screening are key reasons for late-stage detection.
This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, let’s prioritise awareness, encourage screening, and protect women’s health.
Cervical cancer is one of the few types of cancers that is highly preventable and can also be cured when diagnosed at an early stage. However, it is detected late mainly because there's ignorance about it.
