Cervical Health Awareness Month 2026 | Importance of HPV Vaccine

As we enter January 2026, Cervical Health Awareness Month, let us take this opportunity to remind women of the need to take precautions against cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. HPV, a highly prevalent sexually transmitted virus, causes cervical cancer in most cases. Cervical screening can help stop cancer before it starts.

Regular screening checks for high-risk types of the HPV virus that can cause abnormal changes in cervical cells. These changes are usually easy to treat when detected early, helping prevent cervical cancer from developing.

Awareness is equally important. Attending screening when invited, recognising possible symptoms and seeking medical advice, taking the HPV vaccination between the ages of 11 and 18, and knowing where to find reliable information all play a key role in prevention. In the following article, we explore the significance of cervical cancer awareness month and know the importance of screening, prevention, and the HPV vaccine in India.

What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer in its early stages is often asymptomatic and difficult to diagnose. It may take time for early signs of cervical cancer to become noticeable. However, the following are the symptoms associated with early-stage cervical cancer:

A heavy, foul-smelling, watery, or bloody vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding after sex
Abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause.
Pain during sex

The following are the symptoms associated with cervical cancer that has spread to nearby tissues and structures:

Difficulty or pain while urinating
Blood in urine
Diarrhea
Pain or bleeding from the rectum while defecating
Fatigue
Loss of weight
Poor appetite
A general feeling of being unwell
Dull backache
Swelling in the legs
Pelvic/abdominal pain

What are the Cervical Cancer Risk Factors?

The following are the risk factors associated with cervical cancer:

No screening history, with pap tests at regular intervals.
HPV infection with strains that are known to cause cervical cancer
Multiple sexual partners
Smoking (exposure to tobacco)
HIV infection
Weakened immune system
DES (diethylstilbestrol) (a medication that was previously used to prevent miscarriage)
Family history of cervical cancer

Read Also: Cancer V/S Cervical Cancer

What Comes Under Cervical Cancer Prevention?

Cervical cancer is preventable to a significant extent with the right actions. To reduce the risk of cervical cancer, it is crucial to get Pap tests along with regular gynaecological checkups. The following are the other things you can do to prevent cervical cancer:

Getting the HPV vaccine as per your eligibility, following the proper vaccination guidelines
Use condoms or other protective methods during sex
Do not have multiple sexual partners
Quit smoking or using other tobacco products

Read Also: Facts about Gynaecological Cancers

What Comes Under Cervical Cancer Screening?

In cervical cancer screenings, experts check for precancerous lesions and other indicators of cervical cancer even in the absence of symptoms. This helps in detecting cervical cancer in its early stages and treating it successfully before it spreads and becomes untreatable. Pap-smear tests, HPV testing, and HPV/Pap cotests are the most effective screening tests for cervical cancer. Regular screenings should be undertaken between the ages of 21 and 65, especially for those who are at risk of contracting HPV infection or developing cervical cancer in the future.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Facts & Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines in India

Fast facts on cervical cancer awareness and cervical cancer screening guidelines in India:

Cervical cancer screening in India follows national and global public health recommendations
The recommendations are aimed at detecting precancerous changes before they progress to cancer.
Women aged 30–65 years are advised to undergo periodic screening using methods such as visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) every 5 years, in line with World Health Organization guidance adopted in Indian screening programmes.
Regular screening remains the cornerstone of cervical cancer prevention guidelines.
The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) integrates cervical cancer screening into routine public health services across India.
Screening services are made available even at primary health centers and community health facilities to enhance accessibility.
The screening tests and HPV vaccination are made available in combination.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Cost in India

The following information can provide better insight into the cost of the cervical cancer vaccine in India based on its type, dose, and duration:

Details	Cervavac (India-made)	Gardasil (4-valent)	Cervarix	Gardasil-9
Cost per Dose (Approx.)	₹1,400 – ₹2,000	₹2,800 – ₹4,000	₹2,500 – ₹3,500	₹8,000 – ₹11,000
Number of Doses Required	2–3 doses	2–3 doses	2–3 doses	2–3 doses
Approximate Total Cost	₹3,000 – ₹5,000	₹6,000 – ₹12,000	₹5,000 – ₹9,500	₹18,000 – ₹30,000+

Conclusion

In most cases, cervical cancer can be cured if caught and treated early. Screenings are life-saving. Incorporate regular cervical cancer tests into your healthcare regimen. Many feelings could rush through a person after hearing the news of cervical cancer. Get a better grasp of your diagnosis and treatment options by talking to your doctor about anything that's bothering you. The course of treatment may include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of these methods.

It's better to undergo cervical cancer screening with Pap smears and other gynaecological checkups to prevent and manage cervical cancer in a better way. Consult your doctor to establish a regular Pap test schedule if you are uncertain of when you last had one.

Choose Surya Hospitals for the best cervical cancer screening in Mumbai. Get in touch with our experts now!

FAQs

Q1: What are the cervical cancer screening methods in India?
A: The main screening tests for cervical cancer in India are the HPV Test, the Pap Test/Cytology, and Co-testing (combination of HPV and Pap smear test), and Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid (VIA). Diagnostic tests, such as colposcopy and biopsy, are recommended for further investigation to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of cervical cancer.

Q2: Is the HPV vaccine effective if taken in adulthood?
A: The HPV vaccine is most effective when taken before sexual activity, but adults up to 45 years old may still benefit after consulting a doctor.

Q3: Is cervical cancer screening painful?
A: Screening tests like Pap smears and VIA are usually quick and mildly uncomfortable, but not painful for most people.