Most Cervical Cancer Cases Are Preventable

Every year world celebrates January as the cervical cancer awareness month. Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet devastating diseases affecting women worldwide. Every year, over 340,000 women lose their lives to cervical cancer, even though effective tools for prevention exist. The burden is disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries, where nearly 90 per cent of deaths occur. This tragic reality underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, better healthcare infrastructure, and strong political will to eliminate cervical cancer.

Despite significant advancements in medical science, many women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, continue to succumb to this disease. This is not due to the lack of knowledge or solutions, but rather a failure in equitable access to prevention, early detection, and treatment. Tackling cervical cancer effectively requires a multi-faceted approach involving awareness, education, vaccination, and policy reform.

Causes

The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus transmitted through sexual contact. While most HPV infections resolve spontaneously, persistent infection with high-risk strains, such as HPV 16 and 18, can lead to precancerous lesions and, if untreated, progress to cancer. What makes cervical cancer particularly tragic is its preventability. Screening methods like the Pap smear and HPV DNA test can detect precancerous changes long before they develop into cancer. Additionally, HPV vaccines, now widely available, can protect against the virus strains responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

In high-income countries, organised screening programmes and widespread vaccination have dramatically reduced the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. In contrast, women in resource-poor settings often lack access to these life-saving interventions. Cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and infrastructural challenges further compound the problem. The HPV vaccines is the primary resource in the fight against cervical cancer. Vaccines have demonstrated high efficacy in preventing infection with high-risk HPV types. When administered before exposure to the virus, typically during adolescence, the vaccine can reduce cervical cancer risk by up to 90 per cent.

Yet, vaccination coverage remains suboptimal in many regions. Misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and logistical barriers are significant obstacles. Public health campaigns must address these challenges by educating communities about the safety and efficacy of HPV vaccines. Governments and organisations should also work to ensure vaccines are affordable and accessible, particularly in underserved areas. Public education is a powerful tool in preventing cervical cancer. Many women remain unaware of the link between HPV and cervical cancer, the availability of vaccines, or the importance of screening. Misinformation and stigma often discourage women from seeking care.

Community-based education campaigns can play a vital role in raising awareness. Schools, religious institutions, and local organisations should collaborate to provide accurate information about cervical cancer prevention. Men and boys should also be included in these efforts, as they play an essential role in supporting vaccination and reducing stigma around reproductive health issues. Social media and digital platforms can amplify these messages, reaching a wider audience and breaking down barriers to communication. It is therefore essential to normalise conversations about cervical cancer in order to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for better care.

Cultural and societal attitudes often hinder efforts to combat cervical cancer. In many communities, discussions about reproductive health are considered taboo, preventing women from seeking information or care. Fear of judgment, shame, and misconceptions about the disease further exacerbate the problem. Hence, culturally sensitive approaches are essential. Community leaders, religious figures, and influencers can play a vital role in normalising conversations about cervical cancer and promoting preventive measures. Empowering women through education and fostering open dialogue can help break down these barriers.

Vaccination alone is not enough; screening for cervical cancer is another essential component of prevention. Screening tests, such as the Pap smear and HPV DNA test, can detect precancerous changes in the cervix before they progress to cancer. Early detection allows for timely treatment, dramatically reducing the risk of advanced disease. Unfortunately, many women in low-resource settings lack access to regular screening due to limited healthcare infrastructure, high costs, and cultural stigma. In many parts of the country, cervical cancer screening rates are abysmally low, leaving women vulnerable to undetected disease.

Mobile clinics

Innovative approaches can help bridge this gap. Mobile clinics and self-sampling HPV tests are promising solutions, especially in rural and underserved areas. Integrating screening into existing maternal and child health services can also improve access. Moreover, healthcare providers must educate women about the importance of regular screening and ensure that services are affordable and culturally sensitive.

Eliminating cervical cancer is not an unattainable dream; it is a realistic goal within our grasp. The tools and knowledge to prevent, detect, and treat cervical cancer exist. What is needed is the collective commitment to ensure that these tools reach every woman, regardless of her socioeconomic status or geographic location. The fight against cervical cancer is not just a medical challenge; it is a moral imperative. Let’s work together that no woman will die from a disease that is preventable and treatable.

(Dr. Lohani is the executive director at the Health Concern. lohanis@gmail.com)