India, March 3 -- By Dr. H.R. Sowmya Dinesh

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers - yet it continues to take a heavy toll in India.

According to GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, India sees about 1,27,526 new cervical cancer cases and around 79,906 deaths each year, making it one of the leading cancers among Indian women. Behind these numbers are mothers, sisters and daughters whose lives could often have been saved through prevention.

What causes cervical cancer?

The main cause is persistent infection with "high-risk" Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact. Most HPV infections clear on their own, but if a high-risk type persists for years, it can cause changes in cervical ce...