In the global health landscape, cervical cancer has emerged as the fourth most common cancer, mostly a very common phenomenon in low and middle-income countries, including India. Notably, in India, cervical cancer has turned out to be the leading cause of cancer mortality in women, accounting for around 17 per cent of deaths in those between the ages of 39 and 69.
Despite a decreasing trend globally, it seems like cervical cancer continues to pose a major health challenge in India due to a number of factors, including delayed detection that results from a lack of awareness and the absence of early symptoms. This not only leads to advanced-stage detection but also higher mortality rates.
Given the lack of awareness among people along with socio-economic inequalities, cultural norms, and a lack of adequate medical health infrastructure, there is a need to approach a holistic planning strategy where efforts will be focused on improving health facilities, raising awareness, and implementing preventive measures.
However, the Indian Council of Medical Research earlier cautioned that the number of people affected by cancer might increase by 2025. While around 14.6 lakh people were said to be affected by the deadly disease in 2022, the number might increase to 15.7 lakh in 2025. But what are the major reasons that can contribute to such an increase?
Why is cervical cancer increasing in India?
1. The main reason for such a drastic increase is the lack of adequate awareness and preventive measures among women about cervical cancer. Also, not many are aware of the fact that cervical cancer is often attributable to HIV and HPV. These viruses are often the major causes of an increase in cervical cancer.
2. In many parts of India, there is still a lack of adequate medical facilities, medical checkups, and vaccinations among people, which leads to delayed diagnosis, which results in high mortality.
3. There are also a few other factors that contribute to the same, such as women being reluctant to seek medical help related to childbirth. The practice of marrying girls at a young age and having sex with multiple women also contributes to the spread of HPV infection, which raises the risk of cervical cancer.
4. A poor implementation of public health programs and policies meant to create awareness leads to a failure to educate people about the deadly disease.
5. While testing facilities and preventive medicines are widely available all across the country, they hardly reach the market, especially in rural areas.
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