Saqib Rather
Srinagar, July 28: Every year, thousands of women visit hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir for routine health problems, but many leave without undergoing a simple screening test that doctors say could help detect cervical cancer at an early, treatable stage.
Health experts believe that while awareness about breast cancer has improved over the years, cervical cancer screening continues to receive far less attention, despite being one of the few cancers that can often be prevented or detected before it becomes life-threatening.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly all cases of cervical cancer are linked to persistent infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The disease usually develops slowly over several years, allowing doctors to identify precancerous changes through screening before cancer develops.
Despite this, gynaecologists say many women in Kashmir seek medical care only after symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, persistent pelvic pain or unusual vaginal discharge appear—signs that require immediate medical evaluation and may indicate advanced disease.
“Cervical cancer does not develop overnight. There is usually a long window during which abnormal cell changes can be detected and treated,” said Dr. Sabiya Qadri, Consultant Gynaecologist. “The biggest challenge is that many women do not come for screening because they feel healthy and assume there is no need for a check-up.”
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cervical cancer remains among the leading cancers affecting Indian women. Public health experts say timely screening significantly reduces both illness and deaths by identifying disease before symptoms develop.
Doctors attribute low screening rates to multiple factors, including limited awareness, embarrassment, misconceptions about gynaecological examinations and the tendency to prioritise family responsibilities over personal health.
“Women often postpone their own healthcare because they are busy looking after everyone else,” said Dr. Bilal Ahmad, Consultant Physician. “Unfortunately, preventive health checks are frequently delayed until symptoms become impossible to ignore.”
Health workers say community awareness is gradually improving through government health programmes and outreach initiatives, but many women, particularly in rural areas, remain unfamiliar with cervical cancer screening.
ASHA workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) continue to encourage eligible women to visit nearby health facilities for regular check-ups and counselling.
“When we explain that screening is meant to prevent disease rather than treat it, women become more willing to come forward,” said Shabnam Begum, an ASHA worker. “Awareness at the community level is slowly changing attitudes.”
Doctors also stress that screening is recommended according to national medical guidelines and should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider, who can advise the most appropriate test and screening interval based on a woman’s age and individual risk factors.
Women who have undergone screening say fear often disappears once they understand the procedure.
“I delayed my screening because I was nervous,” said Rukhsana, a 44-year-old resident of Kupwara. “After speaking with my doctor, I realised the test was simple and important. It gave me peace of mind and encouraged me to take my health more seriously.”
Oncologists say early-stage cervical cancer is often highly treatable, making timely screening one of the most effective tools in reducing the burden of the disease.
“The success of cervical cancer prevention depends on awareness, regular screening and timely medical follow-up,” said Dr. Nusrat Jan, Consultant Oncologist. “No woman should wait for symptoms before seeking medical advice.”
Health experts believe that normalising conversations about women’s reproductive health, expanding access to screening services and strengthening community awareness can help ensure that more women benefit from early detection. For many doctors, the message is straightforward: the most effective fight against cervical cancer begins not in the operation theatre, but in the screening room—long before the disease has a chance to take hold.
