Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer is considered highly preventable through a combination of HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment of precancerous lesions. India has recorded a significant decline in cervical cancer burden, with new cases falling by 37% over the past decade, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP). Experts say widespread screening, awareness, and increasing uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have contributed to the milestone. Cervical Cancer Cases Drop In India The latest estimates show that the number of new cervical cancer cases has dropped from approximately 1.27 lakh annually to around 79,000, marking a major public health milestone in the fight against one of the most common cancers affecting Indian women. "Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can largely be prevented through timely screening and vaccination," Dr. Amitabh Shankar, Head of Preventive Oncology at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, was quoted as saying. He attributed the decline to improved awareness, wider availability of screening services, and the gradual expansion of HPV vaccination.Also read: Minimally Invasive Focal Therapy For Prostate Cancer Promises Fewer Side Effects Than Surgery Or Radiotherapy Positive Impact Of Screening And HPV Vaccination According to experts, early detection through routine cervical cancer screening allows precancerous changes to be identified and treated before they develop into cancer. At the same time, HPV vaccination protects against high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer. The report suggests that increased access to healthcare services, government-led awareness initiatives, and preventive programs have played an important role in reducing the cases of cervical cancer. Despite the progress, specialists caution that cervical cancer continues to be a major health concern in India, particularly in rural and underserved regions where screening coverage and HPV vaccination remain limited. They emphasize that expanding HPV vaccination among eligible adolescents, strengthening population-based screening programs, and improving early diagnosis will be essential to prevent it.Also read: KRAS-Targeted Vaccine Shows Promise In Fighting Pancreatic Cancer, Triggers Strong Immune Response In Early Trial About HPV Vaccine The human papillomavirus causes more than 200 known infections. While some types lead to benign skin warts, others are responsible for severe health threats, such as cervical, throat, anal, and penile cancers. The HPV vaccine provides strong protection against the most lethal strains, avoiding long-term health complications. It helps the immune system recognize and fight off high-risk strains of the virus before they cause harm. It protects against: Genital warts Cervical cancer Vaginal, vulvar, anal, and penile cancers Mouth, throat, head, and neck cancers linked to HPVWhat Is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in layers of the cervix. It is caused by abnormal cell growth that can spread to another part of your body. There are two main types of cervical cancer. These are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Cervix is located in the pelvic cavity, about 3 to 6 inches inside the vaginal canal. It serves as the entrance to the uterus to the vagina. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), almost all cervial cancer are linked to human papillomaviruses (HPV) which are transmitted through sexual contact Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer has no symptoms in the early days and therefore, is hard to detect until it has spread. Early-stage cervical cancer symptoms include: Vaginal bleeding after sex Vaginal bleeding post-menopause Vaginal bleeding between periods or unusually heavy/long periods Watery vaginal discharge with a strong odour or containing bloodPelvic pain or pain during intercourseAdvanced Cervical Cancer Symptoms (when cancer has spread beyond the cervix):Persistent early-stage symptomsPainful or difficult bowel movements or rectal bleedingPainful or difficult urination or blood in the urinePersistent dull backacheSwelling of the legsPain in the pelvis or lower abdomen