Cervical Cancer Kills a Woman Every 8 Minutes in India: NAMS Urges Notifiable Status, Local HPV Solutions

The National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) has called for cancer to be classified as a notifiable disease to enhance surveillance and policy-making, as highlighted during its 65th foundation day on April 21, 2025. With cervical cancer claiming a woman’s life every eight minutes in India, NAMS emphasized the urgent need for improved screening and the integration of cost-effective, indigenous HPV tests and vaccines into the national health program.

Cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among Indian women after breast cancer, is primarily caused by persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. India, committed to the WHO’s 2020 global campaign to eliminate cervical cancer, aims to achieve 90% HPV vaccination for girls under 15, 70% screening for women at ages 35 and 45, and 90% treatment for identified cases by 2030. This could reduce cervical cancer incidence to below four cases per 100,000 women annually.

Dr. Neerja Bhatla, former head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at AIIMS and vice president of NAMS, noted that high-cost HPV testing has prompted the development of affordable, locally validated tests detecting fewer HPV types. These tests, suitable for primary healthcare centers, will be announced on April 23, 2025, at the India International Centre. Portable screening and treatment devices will further enable same-day care, requiring minimal training.

On vaccination, Union Health Minister JP Nadda stated in August 2024 that the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommended including the HPV vaccine in the national program. Trials for a single-dose indigenous vaccine are underway, with interim results expected in 2026 and final outcomes in 2027. Logistical challenges, including single versus double-dose administration, are under review.

Breast cancer, now the most prevalent cancer among Indian women, sees a new diagnosis every four minutes. Its incidence rose by nearly 50% between 1965 and 1985, accounting for 13.5% of all cancers and 10.6% of cancer-related deaths. NAMS’ task force revealed significant gaps in diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, with 50-60% of cases diagnosed at advanced stages (III and IV), leading to poor outcomes. Early detection remains critical, with stage I breast cancer showing a 95% five-year survival rate compared to 15% for stage IV.

NAMS recommends mandatory reporting of cancer cases to public health authorities and strengthening cancer registry networks. Prof. SM Bose, NAMS council member, highlighted the need for a national screening initiative and improved access to diagnostics, surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic treatments to address the annual 200,000 new breast cancer cases.