India accounts for nearly one-quarter of the world’s cervical cancer deaths. It is the second most common cancer in Indian women — and the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in several Indian states. Yet almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a single, preventable infection: the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Understanding HPV is the first step to protecting yourself.
What Is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. It is so widespread that nearly every sexually active person will be infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime. Most infections clear on their own without causing any harm. However, certain high-risk strains of HPV — particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18 — can persist and, over time, cause cervical cancer.
How Does HPV Cause Cervical Cancer?
When a high-risk HPV infection persists for many years, the virus can cause abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. These pre-cancerous changes — called cervical dysplasia or CIN (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia) — are detectable through screening. If left untreated, some of these abnormal cells can eventually develop into cancer. This process typically takes 10 to 15 years.
Does HPV Always Cause Cancer?
No. The vast majority of HPV infections clear on their own within 1 to 2 years, thanks to the immune system. Only a small percentage of women with persistent high-risk HPV infections will develop cervical cancer — but because HPV is so common, the absolute number of women affected is very large.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is one of the most important cancer prevention tools available today. It is recommended for:
- Girls aged 9 to 14 — most effective before sexual activity begins (2-dose schedule)
- Girls and women aged 15 to 26 — still highly effective (3-dose schedule)
- Women up to age 45 — may still benefit; discuss with your doctor
- Boys aged 9 to 26 — reduces HPV transmission and protects against other HPV-related cancers
In India, approved vaccines include Gardasil (protects against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18) and Cervarix (protects against HPV 16 and 18). A new indigenously developed vaccine, CERVAVAC, is also now available.
The HPV Vaccine Does Not Replace Screening
This is a critical point. Even if you have been vaccinated against HPV, you still need regular cervical cancer screening (Pap smear and/or HPV test). The vaccine does not protect against all HPV strains, and it does not treat existing infections. Vaccination and screening work together — one does not replace the other.
What Is Cervical Screening and Who Needs It?
- Women aged 21 to 29: Pap smear every 3 years
- Women aged 30 to 65: Pap smear every 3 years, or Pap smear plus HPV test (co-test) every 5 years
- Women over 65: May stop screening if previous results have been normal — discuss with your doctor
Common Myths About HPV in India
Myth: Only women with many sexual partners get HPV.
Fact: HPV can be transmitted through any skin-to-skin sexual contact. You can get HPV even with one lifetime partner.
Myth: If I have no symptoms, I do not have HPV.
Fact: HPV usually causes no symptoms at all. You can carry and transmit the virus without knowing it.
Myth: The vaccine is only for unmarried women.
Fact: Married women can still benefit from HPV vaccination if they have not been previously exposed to all the strains covered by the vaccine.
A Message from Dr. Monisha Gupta
Cervical cancer is a tragedy because it is almost entirely preventable. With the combination of the HPV vaccine and regular screening, we have all the tools we need to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. Please do not delay vaccination for your daughters — and do not skip your own screening.
Dr. Monisha Gupta is a Gynecologic Oncologist at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi.
