Empowering Women's Health: Bridging Gap In Cervical Cancer Prevention

According to the 2023 statistics from The Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) information centre and The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), on human papillomavirus (HPV) and Cancer, an estimated 123,907 women in India are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, resulting in 77,348 deaths. These staggering numbers underscore the urgency and importance of implementing measures to prevent and combat this prevalent health concern.

On Universal Health Coverage Day, Prakshi Saha, a Nguvu Change Leader and co-founder of Her Adhikar Foundation, is leading an online campaign advocating for the inclusion of cervical cancer vaccination in India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). This initiative, prompted by alarming statistics indicating cervical cancer as the second most frequent cancer among Indian women aged 15 to 44, strives to address the critical health issue.

This empowering initiative focuses on bridging health disparities for women, emphasizing cervical cancer prevention, nutrition, and overall well-being. It tackles societal challenges, advocating for inclusivity and awareness. By addressing these gaps comprehensively, the initiative strives to uplift women's health, promoting holistic care and bridging existing divides in healthcare access and awareness.

Why It's Time To Focus On Women's Health

In October 2023, the Kerala Government took a proactive step by announcing plans to provide vaccines for cervical cancer. However, the nationwide focus on cervical cancer vaccinations has yet to materialize. Activists, including Prakshi Saha, are pushing for the Union Government's involvement in incorporating the vaccination into the UIP, a major public health initiative benefitting women and children across the country.

The campaign, named BeatCervicalCancer, aims to raise awareness about the importance of cervical cancer vaccinations. The campaign highlights that integrating the vaccination drive into the UIP could play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with late diagnoses and financial barriers that hinder women from accessing timely and effective healthcare.

The online petition, a joint effort by Her Adhikar Foundation and Dr. Tanaya, known as Dr. Cuterus, a medical doctor and bestselling author—has garnered substantial support, with nearly 30,000 signatures. What makes this campaign even more impactful is the endorsement it has received from various Members of Parliament across party lines, illustrating a bipartisan recognition of the urgency to address cervical cancer as a public health priority.

Notable MPs, such as Dr Amar Patnaik, Rajya Sabha MP from Odisha, Sanjeev Arora, Rajya Sabha MP from Ludhiana, Supriya Sule, Lok Sabha MP from Baramati, and Dr T Sumathy, Lok Sabha MP from Chennai South, have expressed their support for Prakshi's cause. Their endorsement signifies a collective acknowledgement of the need for a nationwide strategy to combat cervical cancer effectively.

The petition is directed towards the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya. In her plea, she emphasizes the high effectiveness of the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer. However, due to factors such as lack of awareness, limited access, and affordability constraints, the vaccine remains unavailable to a significant portion of women in the country.

Significance Of Universal Health Coverage Day

The advocacy extends beyond the medical aspects; she addresses the societal challenges related to sexual and reproductive health. The campaign seeks to break the silence and stigma surrounding these issues, advocating for their inclusion in broader public health conversations. By incorporating the HPV vaccine into the Universal Immunization Program, Prakshi believes accessibility and availability can be ensured for all women, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.

Universal Health Coverage Day, observed on December 12, serves as a poignant reminder to amplify the cause of cervical cancer prevention. Prakshi Saha's tireless efforts, coupled with the support of MPs and thousands of signatories, reflect a shared commitment to achieving 

Throughout history, women have often faced marginalization in terms of accessing healthcare, obtaining resources, and being subjects of research. Consequently, a notable gap has emerged, leading to substantial differences in health outcomes between women and men. Women's multitasking roles and cultural factors have pushed nutrition backward. Vitamin D deficiency, prevalent in 40% to 99% of cases, poses risks highlighted by Sanjeev Kumar Gupta and P Aparna, including autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular issues. Malnutrition's impact on overall health, both psychological and physical, underscores the need for comprehensive attention. Surveying working women (25-55) in 7 cities, Emcure Pharmaceuticals' 2021 report shows societal stigma silencing health discussions. 86% witnessed female dropouts, 59% citing health reasons. 80% noted male colleagues' insensitivity to women's health concerns.

Global Overview of Cervical Cancer: Incidence, Mortality, and Risk Factors

• Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide.

• Each year, there are about 570,000 new cases of cervical cancer globally.

• Cervical cancer is responsible for approximately 311,000 deaths annually.

• More than 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer.

The imperative to address cervical cancer in women is undeniable. The statistics underscore the urgency, with significant gaps in prevention and access to vaccinations. Initiatives led by advocates like Prakshi Saha highlight the pressing need for comprehensive measures, including awareness campaigns and policy changes, to ensure women's health is prioritized and safeguarded against the devastating impact of cervical cancer. The collective efforts of activists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers are crucial in closing the gaps, promoting early detection, and ultimately striving for a future where cervical cancer is a preventable and manageable health concern for women worldwide.