Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers in Indian women — and one of the most preventable, because we have both a vaccine that prevents the infection that causes it and screening that catches it early. Every Indian woman should understand both.
The HPV link
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by long-lasting infection with certain high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Because HPV is common and usually silent, the disease can develop over years without symptoms — which is why prevention and screening matter so much.
The HPV vaccine: prevention that works
The HPV vaccine prevents infection with the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers. It works best when given before exposure to the virus — which is why it is recommended for girls (and boys) in early adolescence, typically around ages 9–14. Older girls and young women can still benefit. It is one of the most effective cancer-prevention tools that exists.
Screening catches it early
Alongside vaccination, screening — with an HPV test and/or Pap test — can detect precancerous changes and treat them before cancer develops, or catch cancer at an early, curable stage. Vaccination and screening together can make cervical cancer a rare disease.
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers we can prevent twice over — with a vaccine before exposure, and with screening that stops precancer becoming cancer. Very few cancers give us that.
If cervical cancer is diagnosed
Treatment depends on stage and may combine surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and in advanced disease targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Early cervical cancer is highly treatable. If a diagnosis or plan has been made elsewhere, a second opinion is reasonable. For the wider picture on preventing cancer, see our guide on lifestyle changes that reduce cancer risk.
Frequently asked questions
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
It is recommended mainly for adolescents around 9–14, before exposure, though older girls and young women can still benefit. Ask your doctor.
If I’m vaccinated, do I still need screening?
Yes. The vaccine does not cover every high-risk type, so screening remains important.
Is cervical cancer curable?
Early-stage disease is highly curable, which is why screening matters.
Does the vaccine cause cancer or infertility?
No. These are myths — the vaccine is safe and prevents cancer.
Related reading: Chemotherapy · Immunotherapy · Can Cancer Be Prevented? · Cancer Genetic Testing · Second Opinion for Cancer · Patient Support
Further reading:
National Cancer Institute — HPV Vaccine Fact Sheet · National Cancer Institute — HPV and CancerReviewed by Dr. Harish Kancharla
DM (Medical Oncology), AIIMS, New Delhi · MD (Internal Medicine), PGIMER, Chandigarh
Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology & Hemato-Oncology, Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad
Telangana State Medical Council Registration No. 77186
Last reviewed: August 2026
This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Cancer decisions depend on your individual diagnosis, stage, test results and overall health. Please see our Medical Disclaimer.