If you're a woman, you've probably heard about cervical cancer and the HPV virus — maybe in a clinic, on the news, or during a health camp. But like many health topics, it's easy to feel unsure about what these terms actually mean. Is HPV serious? Can it really cause cancer? Is there anything you can do to protect yourself or your daughter?
The truth is, HPV (human papillomavirus) is very common and most women will come into contact with it at some point in life. But with the right information, early screening, and preventive care, cervical cancer can often be avoided. Let’s break it all down in simple, clear terms, so you know exactly what to watch out for and how to stay safe.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, a group of viruses that affect the skin and moist areas of the body, like the cervix. There are over 100 types of HPV, and while most are harmless, some types can cause problems like genital warts or even lead to cancer of the cervix.
The virus spreads through close skin contact, usually during sexual activity. That includes vaginal, oral, or anal sex, but also just intimate skin-to-skin contact. Most people who get HPV don’t even know they have it — there are no symptoms in many cases, and the body clears the virus on its own.
However, some high-risk strains of HPV stay in the body, slowly damaging the cells of the cervix over several years. If these cell changes aren’t found and treated early, they can develop into cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer happens when the cells in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) begin to grow abnormally and out of control. This change is often caused by certain high-risk types of HPV that can damage the DNA in the cells.
Here’s what usually happens:
The important thing to remember is that not all women with HPV get cervical cancer, but almost all cancer cases are linked to HPV.
One of the reasons cervical cancer can be dangerous is that it often doesn’t show symptoms in the early stages. Many women feel completely fine until the disease has grown or spread.
That said, there are some warning signs to look out for:
These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but if you notice them, especially if they continue for more than a couple of weeks, you should see a doctor. Catching changes early can make treatment much easier and more successful.
Yes — and that’s the best part. This is one of the few types of cancer that can be prevented, thanks to screening and vaccination.
Here's how to reduce your risk:
Prevention is simple, affordable, and widely available in India. Taking action early is always better than dealing with treatment later.
In India, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, especially in rural and low-income areas where screening and health education are limited. Many women are diagnosed too late, simply because they didn’t know the risks or ignored early symptoms.
By spreading awareness and encouraging vaccination and screening, we can change that. The government has launched several initiatives to offer free or low-cost screening in public hospitals. Vaccines like the Gardasil Vaccine and India’s own Cervavac are helping make prevention more accessible to young girls and women across the country.
Talking about HPV and cervical health should never feel shameful — it’s a conversation that can save lives. The Gardasil Injection is one of the most commonly used HPV vaccines worldwide and is also available in India.
Understanding the link between HPV and cervical cancer is the first step toward protecting yourself and the women you care about. This isn’t just about medical facts, it’s about giving yourself the power to take charge of your health.
Whether you're in your teens, 30s, or 50s, it's never too early or too late to start paying attention. Get screened. Ask about the vaccine. And if you notice anything unusual with your cycle or discharge, don’t wait. A simple test or a single conversation with your doctor could make all the difference.
Because when it comes to cervical cancer, awareness isn’t just knowledge, it’s protection.