EPIDEMIOLOGY AND RISK FACTOR

Worldwide, cervical cancer remains the eighth most common cancer by incidence and the ninth most common cause of cancer mortality, with over 662,301 women globally developing this tumor as reported in 2022 and 348,874 dying of the disease every year.

Cervical Cancer in India:

Cervical cancer remains one of the most pressing yet preventable health issues affecting women in India today. According to the GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, India reported around 127,600 new cases of cervical cancer in a single year, making it the second-highest in the world after China. Even more alarming is the estimated 79,900 deaths annually—highlighting a deep gap in early detection and timely treatment.

While we’ve seen some decline in age-standardized rates over the years, the absolute numbers are still rising due to our growing population. What’s concerning is that cervical cancer continues to be the second most common cancer among Indian women—despite being one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early.

🔬 Why Is This Still Happening? (ETIOLOGY)

         Several factors contribute to this ongoing burden:

• Low awareness and screening: Less than 2% of Indian women aged 30–49 have ever been screened for cervical cancer.
• HPV infection is the leading cause, especially types 16 and 18, which are responsible for about 70% of all cases.
• Cultural taboos, lack of access to healthcare, early marriage, and poor menstrual hygiene also play a role.
• Rural and underserved regions—especially in the Northeast—continue to bear the brunt of the disease.