HPV vaccination and regular screening can prevent cervical cancer: Expert

The majority of cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection by high-risk strains of human papilloma virus, and a precancer stage usually precedes the invasive cancer stage.

Written by: Parul

3 min readChandigarhFeb 4, 2026 10:26 AM IST

HPV vaccination provides the primary prevention against this deadly disease, and timely vaccination gives lifelong protection.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting Indian women, with nearly 1.3 lakh women diagnosed every year. Most women are diagnosed in advanced stages, leading to high death rates. Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus, and most cases are reported in the age group of 35-60 years, explains Dr Shweta Tahlan, senior consultant, Gynae Onco-Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Mohali. The majority of cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection by high-risk strains of human papilloma virus, and a precancer stage usually precedes the invasive cancer stage.

HPV vaccination provides the primary prevention against this deadly disease, and timely vaccination gives lifelong protection. The recommended age to get vaccinated is between 9 and 26 years, although it can also be given to women up to 45 years old. The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, widely available and affordable, recommended by all medical organisations.

Also read | Why cervical cancer risk goes up because of these misconceptions: Here is what you need to know

“Screening tests provide secondary prevention, and it is done by testing cervical smears for abnormal cells (Pap smear & LBC) and presence of HPV (HPV testing). The test is painless and is done in the OPD itself. This helps us detect and cure women in the precancer stage itself (before cancer is formed). Screening test is recommended for all women over the age of 25 years,” says Dr Tahlan.

Symptoms of cervical cancer are postcoital vaginal bleeding, persistent vaginal discharge which can be foul-smelling or blood-stained, postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, continuous or intermenstrual bleeding, lower abdomen pain or discomfort, urinary troubles and severe backache. Women in early stages are treated effectively by radical surgery and women diagnosed in advanced stages are treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. “Timely treatment from expert oncologists can provide good survival and excellent quality of life,” adds Dr Tahlan.

Also read | Cervical cancer test made simpler: AIIMS develops blood test to monitor if therapy is working

3-month HPV vaccination campaign by Health Depent to cover eligible girls

The Government of India is shortly going to introduce the HPV vaccine under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) for adolescent girls aged 14 years. The vaccine will be administered to girls who have completed their 14th birthday but have not yet attained 15 years of age. The HPV vaccine to be administered to eligible beneficiaries is Gardasil-4, which protects against four major variants of Human Papilloma Virus responsible for most cervical cancer cases in women.

In Chandigarh, a three-month special vaccination campaign will be conducted to cover all eligible girls. The department has appealed to all parents and guardians to extend their full cooperation and ensure that eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine at designated government health facilities once the campaign is launched in Chandigarh.

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More

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