Combating Cancer Among Women: Why HPV Vaccination, Screening and Early Detection Matter

Gynaecological cancers remain a significant health concern for women, but advances in vaccination, screening, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted treatments and immunotherapy have improved opportunities for prevention and treatment. In an article published by Daily Excelsior on October 11, 2026, cancer specialist Dr Deepak Bharti emphasised that timely medical consultation and greater awareness can play an important role in reducing the burden of cancer among women.

One of the most important messages is that cancer does not always mean hopelessness. Some gynaecological cancers can be prevented, detected at an early stage or controlled with appropriate treatment. Recognising warning signs, understanding personal risk factors and accessing recommended preventive healthcare can help women make informed decisions about their health.

Cervical Cancer: A Major Public Health Concern

Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in India. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates cited in the article, the country recorded approximately 1.28 lakh new cervical cancer cases, making it the second most common cancer among Indian women after breast cancer.

However, cervical cancer is also one of the cancers for which prevention offers substantial opportunities. Persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the principal cause of almost all cervical cancer cases.

HPV vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of infection with cancer-causing HPV types and help prevent associated cervical disease. The World Health Organization recommends HPV vaccination as a key preventive measure, particularly for girls aged 9 to 14 years, before potential exposure to the virus.

Vaccination should be complemented by appropriate cervical screening. Screening can identify precancerous changes before they develop into cancer, allowing follow-up and treatment when necessary. Vaccination does not eliminate the need for screening because it does not protect against every cancer-causing HPV type.

Understanding the WHO 90-70-90 Strategy

The World Health Organization has established a global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Its 90-70-90 targets aim to ensure that:

• 90% of girls are fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15.
• 70% of women are screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again by age 45.
• 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive appropriate treatment, including care for precancerous lesions and management of invasive cancer.

Achieving these targets requires coordinated efforts from healthcare systems, communities, families and policymakers. Improving access to vaccination and screening, especially for women who face barriers to healthcare, is essential to reducing preventable illness and deaths.

Warning Signs of Gynaecological Cancer Women Should Not Ignore

One challenge in detecting gynaecological cancers is that early symptoms can resemble common menstrual, digestive or urinary problems. Some women may delay seeking medical advice because of embarrassment, social stigma or the assumption that symptoms will disappear on their own.

Warning signs that deserve medical evaluation include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after menopause, between periods or after sexual intercourse.
• Persistent or unusual vaginal discharge.
• Ongoing pelvic or abdominal pain.
• Persistent bloating or an unexplained increase in abdominal size.
• Feeling full unusually quickly or experiencing a reduced appetite.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Changes in bowel or urinary habits that persist.
• A lump or swelling in the pelvic or abdominal area.

These symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer and can occur for many other reasons. However, persistent, unexplained or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional rather than repeatedly self-treated.

Ovarian Cancer: Why Early Evaluation Is Important

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect early because its symptoms are often vague and may overlap with common digestive or urinary complaints. Persistent bloating, abdominal discomfort, indigestion, frequent urination and feeling full after eating small amounts of food can have many possible causes.

There is currently no established population-wide screening test for ovarian cancer that is recommended for all women at average risk. This makes awareness of persistent symptoms and appropriate medical evaluation particularly important.

Women with a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer should discuss their risk with a healthcare professional. Depending on their personal and family history, genetic counselling and testing may be appropriate.

Inherited changes in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer. Identifying such changes may influence decisions about risk reduction, surveillance and treatment. Genetic testing should be considered with appropriate professional guidance so that results can be interpreted in the context of an individual’s circumstances.

Breaking the Silence Around Women’s Health

Awareness of gynaecological cancer begins with creating an environment in which women can discuss their health concerns openly. Menstrual problems, abnormal bleeding, sexual health and other gynaecological symptoms are sometimes treated as taboo subjects, preventing women from seeking timely care.

Families and communities can help change this by encouraging open conversations and supporting women who need medical attention. Parents can discuss HPV vaccination with their daughters, while partners and other family members can help women access preventive services and attend medical appointments.

Healthcare professionals and public health programmes also have a role in providing clear, accessible information about cancer prevention, symptoms and screening. Awareness campaigns can help women understand which services are recommended for their age and risk profile.

Importantly, women should not wait for symptoms to appear before considering recommended preventive care. Cervical screening, for example, is intended to detect potentially dangerous changes before symptoms develop. Screening recommendations vary according to age, medical history, risk factors and national guidelines.

Advances in Cancer Treatment Offer Greater Options

Progress in cancer treatment has expanded the options available to patients with gynaecological cancers. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

Targeted treatments are designed to act on particular molecular features involved in cancer growth, while immunotherapy uses or modifies the body’s immune response to help fight cancer. These approaches are suitable for specific cancers and clinical circumstances rather than every patient.

Early diagnosis can also affect the range of treatment options available. Identifying cancer before it spreads may allow treatment to begin at a stage when management can be more effective. The appropriate treatment plan depends on the diagnosis, disease stage, overall health and individual needs of the patient.

Although advances offer hope, access to timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment remains essential. Awareness must therefore be accompanied by affordable healthcare, reliable screening services and support for patients throughout diagnosis and treatment.

World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and the Global Prevention Effort

Global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem focus on vaccination, screening and treatment. The WHO’s elimination strategy provides a framework for countries to expand access to these services and reduce the number of women affected by the disease.

World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, observed on November 17, highlights the international commitment to preventing cervical cancer and improving access to life-saving interventions. The occasion also offers an opportunity to address misinformation about HPV vaccination and encourage women to learn about recommended screening.

Elimination as a public health problem does not mean that every individual case will disappear immediately. Rather, it involves reducing the disease burden to a defined level through sustained prevention, early detection and effective treatment programmes.

Practical Steps Women Can Take to Reduce Cancer Risks

While not every cancer can be prevented, several practical measures can help women reduce certain risks and seek care earlier:

• Discuss HPV vaccination: Ask a qualified healthcare professional about eligibility, recommended timing and vaccination options.
• Follow cervical screening recommendations: Screening intervals and tests depend on age, medical history and applicable guidelines.
• Seek advice about unusual bleeding: Bleeding after menopause or persistent abnormal bleeding should be medically assessed.
• Know your family history: Tell your doctor about close relatives with breast, ovarian or other cancers that may indicate an inherited risk.
• Do not ignore persistent symptoms: Ongoing bloating, pelvic pain or unexplained changes in bowel or urinary habits warrant evaluation.
• Attend follow-up appointments: Follow the care plan recommended by your healthcare team, including further tests when indicated.
• Choose healthy habits: Avoid tobacco, maintain a balanced diet and remain physically active to support overall health, while recognising that healthy habits cannot prevent every cancer.

Conclusion

Combating cancer among women requires more than advanced hospitals and treatments. HPV vaccination, appropriate screening, awareness of warning signs, timely medical consultation and access to effective care all play important roles in reducing the impact of gynaecological cancers.

As highlighted by cancer specialist Dr Deepak Bharti in Daily Excelsior, cervical cancer presents a particularly important opportunity for prevention through vaccination and screening. Ovarian cancer and other gynaecological malignancies also require awareness, prompt assessment of concerning symptoms and appropriate evaluation of inherited risk where relevant.

The central message is clear: women should feel empowered to discuss their health without embarrassment, families should support preventive care, and healthcare systems should make essential services accessible. Prevention and early detection cannot eliminate every cancer, but they can create important opportunities to reduce risk and improve outcomes.