Introduction
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in 2025 was in January. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week was also observed during the last week of January, from January 22–28.
Cervical cancer awareness is crucial because it is a highly preventable cancer when detected early through regular screening, and raising awareness encourages women to get vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV -the primary cause) and undergo routine Pap smears, leading to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes, especially in regions where access to healthcare might be limited; essentially, promoting awareness can significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer deaths globally.
Apart from traditional Pap smear, advancements have been made in cervical cancer screening and prevention in the form of HPV DNA testing and HPV vaccine respectively.
The Evolution of screening
A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test or cervical cytology, is important because it can help detect cervical cancer early. Early detection can lead to less treatment, a faster recovery, and a better chance of survival. It is useful for finding cancerous cells, and other cervical and vaginal problems, such as precancerous cells and inflammation.
- A healthcare provider uses a small brush to gently collect cells from the cervix and surrounding area.
- The cells are then examined under a microscope for abnormalities.
- The pathology lab will provide a negative (normal) or positive (abnormal) result within a few days.
A Key advancement in cervical screening has been the introduction of HPV DNA testing.
An HPV test screens for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cell changes in the cervix. The test involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix (similar to pap test)and looking for the DNA or RNA of high-risk HPV type. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, with types 16 and 18 responsible for 70% of cases worldwide.
- Women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are usually offered screening
- Women between the ages of 30 and 65 may have an HPV/Pap cotest every five years
- A negative result means high-risk HPV was not found
- A positive result means high-risk HPV was found
- A positive result may require more tests, follow-up visits, or treatment
There are now three recommended options for cervical cancer screening in individuals aged 30–65 years: primary hrHPV testing every 5 years, cervical cytology alone every 3 years, or co-testing with a combination of cytology and hrHPV testing every 5 years . All three screening strategies are effective, and each provides a reasonable balance of benefits (disease detection) and potential harms (more frequent follow-up testing, invasive diagnostic procedures, and unnecessary treatment in patients with false-positive results).
Primary HPV testing is better at preventing cervical cancer than a Pap test alone
It’s highly sensitive, making it ideal for population-based screening
Screening Options
There are now three recommended options for cervical cancer screening in individuals aged 30–65 years: primary hrHPV testing every 5 years, cervical cytology alone every 3 years, or co-testing with a combination of cytology and hrHPV testing every 5 years . All three screening strategies are effective, and each provides a reasonable balance of benefits (disease detection) and potential harms (more frequent follow-up testing, invasive diagnostic procedures, and unnecessary treatment in patients with false-positive results)
New developments in prevention of cervical cancer
Vaccination is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV, ideally between the ages of 9 to 15 yrs. At this age, the immune system is primed to respond effectively, providing long-lasting protection. It remains highly beneficial for young adults up to age 26 who missed the vaccine earlier. Even for individuals aged 27 to 45, vaccination can offer protection based on prior exposure.
The HPV vaccine can lower cervical cancer rates by up to 90% when administered early. It also offers protection against other HPV-related cancers, including vulvar and vaginal cancers, making it a vital component of preventive healthcare.
Your HPV vaccine schedule depends on the age you are when you get the first dose of the vaccine:
- Under the age of 15: If you get your first dose before you turn 15, you’ll typically receive two doses of the HPV vaccine, spaced 6 to 12 months apart.
- Ages 15 to 45: People who get their first HPV vaccination between the ages of 15 and 45 need three doses of the HPV vaccine. Typically, the second dose is given 1 to 2 months after the first, and the third dose is administered 6 months after the first.
While the vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV (typically during adolescence), it can still offer protection for adults against certain HPV strains that lead to genital warts and cancers. However, according to the CDCTrusted Source, HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 because the vaccine might provide less benefit to them. This is partly because more people in this age range have likely already been exposed to HPV.
Many versions of the HPV vaccines are available including bivalent,quadrivalent & nonavalent vaccine. Cervavac is a reasonably priced quadrivalent vaccine available in India. The Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) has granted approval for its use. This vaccine resulted from collaborative efforts between SII and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
The burden of cervical cancer can be reduced greatly with screening & preventive measures. With all the available information it is prudent that women & girls should approach their healthcare provider for clarifications regarding approach to the same. Hence it is worthwhile to schedule an appointment with the gynaecologist for discussion regarding cervical cancer and take appropriate measures.
