In India, the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and the National Health Mission (NHM) have carried out screenings for cervical cancer on over 10.18 crore women who are over the age of 30. This represents approximately forty percent of the 25.42 crore eligible individuals.
The primary goal of the screening, which is mostly done at primary health centers using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method, is early detection and prevention. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and widespread awareness campaigns played a key role in this achievement, which represents a significant step forward in India’s efforts to reduce the number of women dying from cervical cancer by making preventive healthcare more accessible1.
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Milestone in Women’s Health Screening
Women between the ages of 30 and 65 are the primary target audience for the cervical cancer screening program, which takes place once every five years at Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres under AAMs. Community-based risk assessments and screening participation are carried out by ASHA employees, while prominent media campaigns and National Cancer Awareness Day by the government raise awareness.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Health, reiterated the government’s commitment to early cancer detection and management by highlighting ongoing efforts to expand outreach and screening coverage.
The Initiative’s Background and Setting
Cervical cancer remains a critical public health challenge in India, with an estimated 1 in 5 women globally with cervical cancer residing in India, contributing to 25% of global cervical cancer deaths, many due to late diagnosis.
The government’s initiative uses AAMs as nodes for accessible detection and treatment referral and combines population-based screening with noncommunicable disease management (NHM). To control disease burden and reduce mortality, early screening with cost-effective methods like VIA and new indigenous HPV diagnostic kits is essential.
Obstacles to Screening Participation
Cervical cancer screening rates in India have historically been low, with rates below 2 percent in many areas, disproportionately affecting rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged women.
Lack of awareness, restricted access, financial constraints, and sociocultural stigma are all barriers. Media exposure and educational initiatives have increased screening participation, but ongoing efforts are required to reach populations that are not served.
Strategies for Prevention and Screening from Experts
Experts emphasize a comprehensive strategy that includes lifestyle modifications and hygiene education in addition to routine screenings every three to five years for women between the ages of 30 and 65 and HPV vaccinations for girls between the ages of 9 and 14.
The World Health Organization wants to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue in India by 2060 by achieving the “90-70-90” goals of 90% HPV vaccination coverage, 70% of women being screened twice in their lifetime, and 90% receiving treatment. Sensitivity and coverage are increased when VIA screening is combined with rapid, cost-effective HPV tests.
The Point of View of the Logical Indian
The power of integrated government-led initiatives, community engagement through ASHA workers, and public awareness to bridge healthcare gaps and promote preventive care is demonstrated by this landmark in cervical cancer screening.
The Logical Indian suggests putting more of an emphasis on reducing disparities in socioeconomic status and location, ensuring that everyone has equal access, and conducting campaigns that last for a long time. Communities, policymakers, and healthcare providers must work together to provide screening and treatment to every woman, particularly those who are most at risk, in order to eliminate cervical cancer.