Year: 2025 | Month: October | Volume: 12 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 448-454
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20251047
Awareness of Cervical Cancer and Its Vaccine Among Reproductive Age Group Women
Sarita Devi
Nursing Officer, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur (HP)
ABSTRACT
Cancer remains one of the most distressing diseases worldwide and is the second leading cause of death globally. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells that serve no beneficial purpose to the body. Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women, with an estimated 604,237 new cases and 341,843 deaths in 2020, following breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Notably, approximately 90% of these cases and deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix—the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina—and is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.
Most individuals become infected with HPV shortly after becoming sexually active. Fortunately, the cervix is easily visualized and sampled, which facilitates early detection through screening. Key strategies for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer include HPV vaccination and screening for precancerous lesions. However, a lack of awareness about cervical cancer poses a significant barrier to early detection and timely intervention, particularly in countries like India, where limited access to screening facilities and low awareness levels among women remain major challenges.
Healthcare workers play a crucial role in promoting awareness and encouraging preventive practices among the general public. Since its launch in 2006, the HPV vaccine has been a pivotal tool in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified four vaccines, all of which protect against HPV types 16 and 18—responsible for at least 70% of cervical cancers. Recent studies also suggest that a single vaccine dose may be as effective as the traditional two- or three-dose schedules in preventing high-risk HPV infections.
Without vaccination, the global burden of cervical cancer among girls born between 2005 and 2014 is projected to reach 11.6 million cases by 2094. Based on the findings of various studies and surveys, several policies can be recommended. First, it is essential to ensure the availability of cervical cancer screening facilities in all health centers. Second, increasing awareness among women, particularly during their visits to healthcare providers, is vital. Research from developing countries highlights gaps in knowledge and awareness, offering valuable insights for designing effective educational and outreach strategies to combat cervical cancer.
Keywords: Cervical cancer, cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV).
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