In a disturbing revelation, a new study by the ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health has found that eight women die every hour in India due to cancer, with cervical cancer being one of the leading culprits. Despite this alarming statistic, awareness about cervical cancer remains critically low among Indian women.
The study, conducted among 1,000 women from tribal and urban areas of Maharashtra (500 each), revealed that 56% of women had no knowledge about cervical cancer, while 72% were unaware of its symptoms. A large proportion of women also did not know that a preventive vaccine exists for this deadly disease.
Even though all participants were offered free screening as part of the study, only 6.85% had undergone screening earlier.
Key Findings:
- 72% of women were unaware of cervical cancer symptoms.
- 61% had no knowledge about the risk factors.
- 41% believed that only women with a family history of the disease needed screening.
- 18% thought screening was necessary only if symptoms appeared.
- Psychological barriers like fear of pain, embarrassment, and anxiety over test results were major reasons women avoided screening.
According to health experts, HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. The vaccine is most effective for girls aged 9–15 years. Dr. Neerja Bhatla, former head of AIIMS’ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, emphasized that women over 30 should undergo at least one cervical screening, as it can detect pre-cancerous changes 5–10 years before actual cancer develops.
Government Steps In: Rs. 5 Crore Aid for Thane Women’s Health
In a major initiative, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched the “Nirogi Mahila Abhiyan” (Healthy Woman Campaign) to promote women’s health in Thane. Addressing an event jointly organized by Thane Municipal Corporation, Rotary Club, and Aditya Birla Capital Foundation, Shinde stressed that “a healthy woman is the true wealth of the family.”
He announced a Rs. 5 crore grant from the Urban Development Department to TMC’s health wing for procuring machines to facilitate early detection of cervical cancer in women.
Recalling earlier initiatives like “Mata Surakshit, Ghar Surakshit”, Shinde said, “When I was Chief Minister, Rs. 400 crore was allocated from the CM Relief Fund for women’s health, and nearly 3 crore women benefited from the campaign.”
5 Lakh Women to be Screened in 3 Months
As part of the campaign, screening for cervical cancer, HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14, diabetes and hemoglobin tests, and awareness camps on healthy lifestyles will be organized. Mobile units equipped with modern sonography machines and mammography vehicles will be deployed, with medical experts leading the operations.
Shinde declared that within the next three months, the government aims to screen 5 lakh women free of cost under the initiative.
