HPV infection
A high-risk HPV type infects the cervix, usually through sexual contact. In most women, immunity clears it within ~2 years with no harm.
0 – 2 years
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, and almost all can be prevented through vaccination and regular screening. Know the facts, understand India’s national programme, and take the next step for the women you love.
THE BASICS
Cervical cancer begins in the cervix — the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina. It happens when cells in the cervix begin to grow out of control. The good news: because it grows slowly and has clear warning signs under a microscope, it is one of the most preventable and, when caught early, most treatable cancers.
In the cervix — the “gateway” between the uterus and the vagina. Changes usually begin in the surface cells lining the cervix.
Squamous cell carcinoma makes up most cases (up to ~90%); adenocarcinoma starts in the inner glandular cells.
Almost all cases are caused by long-lasting infection with high-risk HPV — making it the only cancer that a vaccine can prevent.
The good news
Regular screening, HPV vaccination, and early treatment can prevent most cervical cancers.
Cervical cancer does not appear overnight. It usually takes 15–20 years for abnormal cells to slowly turn into cancer (faster — about 5–10 years — in women with weak immunity, such as untreated HIV). That long window is exactly why screening works: it catches the warning changes long before cancer forms.
A high-risk HPV type infects the cervix, usually through sexual contact. In most women, immunity clears it within ~2 years with no harm.
0 – 2 years
In some women the high-risk infection does not clear and lingers for years — this is what drives the risk.
2 – 10 years
Cells start to change abnormally but are not yet cancer. These changes are picked up by a Pap smear — and can be simply treated.
10 – 15 years
If pre-cancer is not found and treated, abnormal cells can become cancer and grow into deeper tissue over time.
15 – 20+ years
HPV Vaccination
Regular Screening
Early Detection
Timely Treatment
Source: WHO & National Cancer Institute (NCI). See references.
Any woman with a cervix can develop cervical cancer, but some factors increase the risk. It occurs most often in women over the age of 30 — which is why screening is advised from then on, while vaccination is given much earlier, before exposure.
The good news: Cervical cancer is preventable.
HPV vaccination, healthy choices, and regular screening can save lives.
IF SOMETHING IS FOUND
Treatment depends on the stage, cell type, and your personal health. When caught early, cervical cancer is highly treatable and many women go on to live long, healthy lives.
Abnormal cells can be removed before they turn into cancer — simple, safe, and effective.
Treatment depends on the stage. It’s planned by a specialist team to give the best outcome.
Worldwide, cervical cancer caused around 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022 (WHO). In India it is the second most common cancer among women — yet it is one of the most preventable. These figures are drawn from WHO, GLOBOCAN 2022 and Government of India (PIB) public health sources.
Cervical cancer can be almost completely prevented when caught in time. It rests on three simple steps — each one saves lives.
The HPV vaccine protects against the virus types that cause most cervical cancers. It is most effective when given before sexual activity begins — girls aged 9–14 need just 2 doses.
A Pap smear (every 3 years) or HPV DNA test (every 5 years) from age 30 detects abnormal cells years before cancer forms — even after vaccination.
When changes are found early, treatment is simple and highly effective. Don’t wait for symptoms — by then, the disease may be advanced.
Remember:
Vaccinate
Screen
Protect & Care
Screening can find abnormal cells many years before cancer develops. These are the tests used in India — simple, quick, and far cheaper than treating advanced disease.
A gynecologist gently collects a few cells from the cervix with a small brush (5–10 minutes). It’s painless — only mild discomfort for a few seconds — and finds early abnormal changes. From age 30, every 3 years.
An advanced version of the Pap smear where cells are preserved in a liquid for clearer lab analysis — often giving more reliable results.
Detects the high-risk HPV virus itself before it has caused cell changes. From age 30, every 5 years is an option instead of a 3-yearly Pap smear.
Starts from
₹500
Starts from
₹1,200
Starts from
₹2,000Available at private hospitals, gynecologist clinics, reputed laboratories, and government / civil hospitals. Prices are indicative and vary by city, lab and package — please confirm with your provider.
HPV vaccines available in India
Prices are indicative and vary by city or clinic. Under India’s 2026 government campaign, Gardasil-4 is given free to 14-year-old girls at government health facilities.
Age-wise prevention schedule
HPV vaccine
(best protection)
Catch-up
HPV vaccine
HPV vaccine on
doctor’s advice
Pap smear every 3 years /
HPV DNA test every 5 years
Screening may stop if last 10 years reports were normal
HPV vaccination works best before sexual activity begins. Even after vaccination, regular Pap smears remain important. It should not be taken during pregnancy.
Prevention today, protection for life
On 28 February 2026, the Prime Minister launched a nationwide HPV Vaccination Programme at Ajmer, Rajasthan — providing the Gardasil-4 vaccine free of cost to about 1.15 crore girls aged 14 across all States and UTs, in line with the vision of “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar”.
Gardasil-4 is given free at government health facilities. Girls turning 15 within 90 days of launch are also eligible during the intensive three-month drive.
Self-register on the U-WIN platform, get pre-registered by a health worker, or simply walk in. Vaccination certificates are downloadable from U-WIN.
Given only at facilities with a cold-chain point and a medical officer; each girl is observed for 30 minutes after the dose. Sessions usually run 9 AM–2 PM. Don’t go on an empty stomach.
Procured in partnership with GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance; logistics tracked via eVIN. India now joins 160+ countries with HPV vaccination in their national immunisation schedule.
The global goal — WHO “90-70-90” by 2030: India’s 2026 campaign is a major step toward this elimination target.
90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15
70% of women screened with a high-performance test by ages 35 and 45
90% of women with cervical disease receiving treatment
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Cervical Cancer Vaccination Campaign, 28 February 2026; WHO; GLOBOCAN 2022.
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This page is for general awareness and education only and is not medical advice. Figures and costs are drawn from public health sources and may be updated over time; costs are indicative only. Always consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis, screening and treatment decisions.
The information on this page is compiled from the following public, authoritative sources. It is reviewed against official guidance, but medical knowledge evolves — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
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