The Indian government has reported 35,691 women in India who succumbed to cervical cancer in 2023, based on statistics from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP). This is an increasing trend in cervical cancer cases and deaths over the past five years. In spite of ongoing screening and prevention efforts, the disease remains a major killer among Indian women.Key Highlights:
Cervical Cancer Mortality Trends in India:

• 2023: 35,691 deaths

• 2022: 34,806 deaths

• 2021: 33,938 deaths

• 2020: 33,095 deaths

• 2019: 32,246 deaths

Screening and Diagnosis Efforts:

• 9 crore women screened for cervical cancer under the National NCD Portal.

• 96,747 cases detected and 86,196 patients in treatment.

Government Initiatives for Prevention and Control:

• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) launched in 2010.

• 770 district NCD clinics, 233 cardiac care units, and 6,410 community health centers opened under the program.

• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs incorporated cervical cancer screening in their service delivery.

HPV Vaccination Status in India:

• Not part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) yet.

• Sikkim launched HPV vaccination in 2018 among girls in 9-14 years age group.

• Bihar launched HPV vaccination under the Mukhyamantri Balika Cancer Immunization Scheme in 2024.

Lack of a National Cervical Cancer Elimination Target:
The government did not set a specific target for cervical cancer elimination.Statements from Leaders or Officials:

• Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Health:

"The estimated number of cervical cancer cases and deaths in India has been on the rise in the last five years, which indicates the necessity for more vigorous preventive efforts."

• Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health:

"Hpv vaccine is not part of India's Universal Immunization Programme. However, vaccination programs have been started by some states like Sikkim and Bihar to immunize adolescent girls."More cervical cancer cases in India need improved screening programs, enhanced HPV vaccination, and improved health infrastructure. Though HPV vaccination has been started at the state level, the absence of a national elimination target is a worry while considering long-term preventive interventions. Experts still insist on enhanced availability of vaccines, early detection programs, and heightened public awareness to prevent cervical cancer deaths in India.