The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that India accounts for nearly one-fourth of the world’s cervical cancer deaths.

What makes this even more concerning is that nearly 90% of these cases are linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

In a country like ours where healthcare access is uneven and routine screenings are not widely practiced, many women miss the window for early detection. This means that by the time they seek medical help often when symptoms become severe, the cancer has already advanced, making treatment more complex.
But here’s the truth; cervical cancer is largely preventable.
This is our wake-up call.
Awareness, education, and regular screenings can change the narrative. By empowering women with knowledge and encouraging proactive health check-ups, we can drastically reduce the burden of this disease and save thousands of lives. The time to act is now.
The Truth About HPV
Most people will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives, often without even knowing it. The virus is so widespread that it is considered a normal part of human exposure, but here’s the catch, while some types of HPV are harmless, others can lead to serious health risks, including cervical cancer.
HPV isn’t a single virus but a family of over 200 related viruses. Some strains are low-risk, meaning they may cause benign conditions like common warts or genital warts. Others are high-risk, capable of triggering cellular changes that can lead to cancer. Among them, HPV 16 and HPV 18 are the most dangerous, responsible for nearly 71% of cervical cancer cases worldwide.

A common misconception is that HPV spreads only through sexual intercourse. In reality, HPV is transmitted through any skin-to-skin contact, particularly in the genital area. This means that even without penetration, an individual can contract and spread the virus. Because HPV often shows no symptoms, many people unknowingly carry and pass it on. In most cases, the body’s immune system clears the infection naturally, but when it lingers, especially with high-risk strains, the consequences can be serious.
How HPV Leads to Cervical Cancer?
HPV itself doesn’t cause cancer immediately. Instead, it sets off a slow and silent chain reaction within the cervical cells. Once high-risk HPV enters the body, it targets the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Normally, the immune system fights off such infections, but when it fails to do so, HPV embeds itself within the DNA of cervical cells, altering their normal function.

Over time, this persistent infection leads to cellular changes known as dysplasia, where normal cervical cells start behaving abnormally. These abnormal cells do not turn into cancer overnight. In fact, the transformation from an HPV infection to full-blown cervical cancer can take years or even decades.

Without intervention, these abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably, eventually forming a tumor. What makes cervical cancer particularly dangerous is that it remains symptomless in the early stages. By the time warning signs, such as unusual bleeding, pelvic pain, or discomfort during intercourse, appear, the disease is often in a more advanced stage.
However, this timeline also presents an opportunity. Because cervical cancer develops slowly, regular screenings can detect abnormalities early, long before they turn cancerous.
This means that with timely action, HPV’s progression to cervical cancer can be interrupted and prevented.
HPV Doesn’t Always Cause Cancer, But When It Does—It’s Life-Threatening. Here’s What You Must Know
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is something we hear about a lot, and rightly so, because it’s one of the most common viral infections globally. But here’s the thing – not all HPV strains lead to cancer. In fact, most infections are harmless and can clear up on their own within a couple of years. So, while it’s important to understand HPV, it’s also important not to panic unnecessarily. Your body has a strong immune system that can fight off these infections most of the time.
However, certain high-risk strains of HPV can stay for a long time, and that’s when we need to pay attention. Over time, if these high-risk strains aren’t cleared, they can cause changes in the cells of the cervix or other areas like the throat, anus, or penis, leading to cancer. It’s these persistent infections that can make things dangerous.
The good news is that there’s a lot we can do to reduce the risk. Prevention is always better than cure, and when it comes to HPV, early awareness and action are key.
While HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, several other factors that are modifiable and non-modifiable can contribute to the development of the disease. Here are some key risk factors to be aware of:
- Smoking: Chemicals in tobacco can damage the cells of the cervix, making them more susceptible to cancer. Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder to ward off HPV infections.
- Hormonal Therapy: Long-term use of estrogen-based therapies (including hormone replacement therapy) may increase cervical cancer risk, especially when combined with other factors like HPV.
- Long-term use of Oral Contraceptives: Some studies suggest that women who have used birth control pills for a long period (five years or more) may have an increased risk of cervical cancer. The risk seems to decline after stopping the pill.

4. Multiple Pregnancies: Women who have had multiple full-term pregnancies may have a slightly higher risk of cervical cancer. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the cervix.

5. Chronic infection with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs): While HPV is the primary STI linked to cervical cancer, other infections like chlamydia may contribute to the development of cervical cancer when left untreated.
6. Chronic Inflammation: Conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the cervix, such as chronic cervicitis, can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
7. Age: Women over 30 are more likely to develop cervical cancer, especially if they have had multiple sexual partners or other risk factors for HPV.
8. Cervical Dysplasia: Previous cases of abnormal cervical cells (dysplasia) that have not been adequately treated may increase the likelihood of progression to cervical cancer over time.
Busting Myths: What You Need to Know
Misinformation can be just as dangerous as the disease itself. When it comes to cervical cancer and HPV, myths and misconceptions often prevent women from taking timely preventive measures. Let’s break down some of the most common myths surrounding cervical cancer.
Myth 1: Cervical cancer is always hereditary.
Fact: Fact: Cervical cancer is not directly hereditary. Unlike some cancers, such as breast or ovarian cancer, which may have a strong genetic component, most cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—a virus that spreads through skin-to-skin contact rather than inherited genes.
However, if your mother or sister has had cervical cancer, you may have a slightly higher risk. This does not mean the cancer itself is passed down through generations, but rather that certain genetic factors might influence your ability to clear an HPV infection effectively. Research suggests that some inherited variations in immune response genes and DNA repair genes could make it harder for the body to get rid of HPV, increasing the risk of persistent infection and, ultimately, cervical cancer.
Additionally, there are very rare genetic conditions that may contribute to cervical cancer risk, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. For example, a damaged DICER1 gene has been linked to an extremely rare type of cervical cancer called embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (affecting muscle tissue in the cervix).

For the vast majority of women, cervical cancer is not inherited but preventable through regular screenings, early detection, and proactive health choices. Even if you have a family history, the best way to reduce your risk is through routine Pap smear, HPV testing, and strengthening your immune system to help fight off infections naturally.
Myth 2: Only older women get cervical cancer.
Fact: HPV infections and cervical cancer can develop at any age. Many believe that cervical cancer is a disease of older women, but the reality is that HPV infections often occur soon after a person becomes sexually active. While the risk of cervical cancer increases with age, precancerous changes in cervical cells can start as early as the 20s or 30s. This is why early screening, starting at 21 with Pap smears and HPV tests from 30 onwards, is crucial in detecting abnormalities before they progress into cancer.

Myth 3: If I feel fine, I don’t need screening.
Fact: Cervical cancer is often symptomless in its early stages. By the time symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse appear, the disease may have already advanced. This is why screening is essential, even if you feel perfectly healthy. A pap smear detects abnormal cell changes before they turn cancerous, allowing for early intervention and treatment. Waiting for symptoms to appear could mean missing the window for early and more effective treatment.

Myth 4: Only women with multiple sexual partners get HPV.
Fact: Any sexually active person can contract HPV, even if they have only had one partner. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, and penetration is not necessary for transmission. Even long-term, monogamous relationships do not guarantee immunity from HPV because the virus can remain dormant for years before causing cell changes. This is why routine screening is recommended for all women, regardless of their relationship history.

Myth 5: HPV infection always leads to cervical cancer.
Fact: Most HPV infections do not lead to cancer. The immune system naturally clears 90% of HPV infections within two years. Only a persistent infection with high-risk strains over several years increases the risk of developing cervical cancer. The good news is that lifestyle choices such as a strong immune system, regular screenings, and safe sexual practices can significantly reduce this risk.

Disclaimer: The myths and facts presented in this blog have been compiled from reputed health organizations and research studies to address the most common misconceptions about HPV and cervical cancer. The information is based on reliable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the American Cancer Society (ACS). While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
Awareness is the First Step Toward Prevention
For a long time, cervical cancer has remained a silent threat, progressing unnoticed until symptoms appear, by then, it is often too late. The only way to change this is through education and awareness. Women need to know that:
- HPV is common and can affect anyone, regardless of their lifestyle.
- Cervical cancer takes years to develop, which means regular screening can catch abnormalities early.
- Early detection saves lives, when detected in its early stages, cervical cancer is almost always treatable.
Community awareness plays an integral role in dispelling myths, encouraging routine check-ups, and ensuring women prioritize their health.
Your health is in your hands. No one else can make that doctor’s appointment for you. No one else can decide to prioritize screening for you.
Cervical cancer should not be a death sentence, especially when we have the knowledge and resources to prevent it. The road ahead is clear, awareness, regular screenings, and timely action can save thousands of lives. It is time for women to take charge, prioritize their well-being, and ensure that this preventable disease no longer claims unnecessary lives.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional for any health-related concerns, screenings, or medical conditions. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, medical research is constantly evolving, and recommendations may change over time.
The information shared in this blog is based on credible sources, including leading health organizations and scientific research, but should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns about cervical cancer, HPV, or any other health issue, please consult your doctor or a healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
Join our cancer care program and discover a bio-individual healing approach that goes beyond conventional medicine.
With over 14 years of experience, we design care plans tailored to you—not just your diagnosis.
Cancer is just one part of your journey, not the whole story. Together, let’s approach it with strength, hope, and a care plan designed just for you.
Book a one-on-one consultation with our experts by calling 1800 102 0253 or emailing [email protected].
Team Luke
Start Your Wellness Journey
Feeling inspired to take the next step in your wellness journey? Connect with us to explore how our tailored programs can support your health journey. Your transformation is just a conversation away.