Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, yet it still causes thousands of deaths among women every year, not only in India but around the world. One major problem is that in many cases, the disease is detected too late, leaving few options for treatment. This shows that the issue is not with medical science, but with a lack of awareness about prevention and early detection.
The main cause of cervical cancer is a very common virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV spreads mainly through close skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity. The virus is so common that almost everyone, both men and women, may get infected at some point in their lives without even knowing it.
In most cases, the body’s immune system clears the virus naturally without causing any harm. However, in some women, the virus can persist and over time lead to changes in the cervix, which may eventually develop into cancer if not detected early.
This highlights the importance of regular screenings, awareness, and preventive measures such as HPV vaccination to protect women from cervical cancer.