Union Health Minister JP Nadda has announced the launch of cervical cancer screenings using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) are now available at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and other health facilities for women between 30 and 65 years of age."Screening for cervical cancer is now available at 1,81,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, also known as Health and Wellness Centers, across the country as a part of population based screening for early detection and treatment," said Nadda, while addressing a press briefing at the World Health Organization virtually. Using VIA, a low-cost, point-of-care method, trained health workers will screen women for cervical cancer. Those who test positive will then be referred to higher centers for diagnostic confirmation and further evaluation.Nadda also shared that the cervical cancer screening in the country has been expanded as part of comprehensive primary healthcare under the National Program for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). "Over 86 million women have already been screened for cervical cancer under the program, reflecting India’s sustained commitment to early detection and prevention," Nadda informed.Despite being highly preventable as well as treatable, cervical cancer is a public health concern in India. The country loses one women every eight minutes to cervical cancer.As per the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, about 42,000 new cases of cervical cancer is reported annually in India. This underscores the need for preventive measures such as vaccination and early screening.The WHO Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer includes the 90-70-90 targets by 2030 -- vaccinating 90 per cent of girls against HPV, screening 70 percent of women, and ensuring treatment for 90 percent of those diagnosed with cervical disease. In line with the global strategy to fight cervical cancer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently also launched a free HPV vaccination drive that will target health and well being of adolescent girls in the country.What Is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer develops in a women's cervix (uterus opening) due to abnormal cell growth, primarily caused by persistent HPV infection, a common infection that's passed through sexual contact.When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from causing damage however, in a small percentage of people, the virus can survive for years and pave the way for some cervical cells to become cancerous.Treatment involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with early detection significantly improving outcomes, though it remains a major cancer in low-income countries Cervical cancer can also be prevented through vaccination and regular screening (Pap/HPV tests).Symptoms Of Cervical CancerCervical cancer has no symptoms in the early days and therefore, is hard to detect until it has spread. However, the early-stage symptoms include: Vaginal bleeding after sexVaginal bleeding post-menopauseVaginal bleeding between periods or unusually heavy/long periodsWatery vaginal discharge with a strong odour or containing bloodPelvic pain or pain during intercourseAdvanced Cervical Cancer Symptoms (when cancer has spread beyond the cervix)Painful 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 abdomenHow Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?Cervical cancer is largely preventable and, when detected early, it is highly treatable. The WHO recommends HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14, before they become sexually active, along with regular cervical screening from age 30, or 25 for women living with HIV.Despite this, unequal access to vaccination, screening and treatment continues to drive higher rates of illness and deaths in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Central America and Southeast Asia.