The short answer: Cervical cancer is cancer of the neck of the womb (the cervix). Almost all cases are caused by a long-lasting infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). It grows slowly, so the HPV vaccine and regular screening can prevent most cases. A Pap smear or HPV test is a screening test; only a biopsy (a small tissue sample) can confirm cancer. Bleeding after sex more than once, or any bleeding after menopause, should be checked by a gynaecologist. Most causes turn out not to be cancer.
In Hindi this is often searched as bachedani ke muh ka cancer (बच्चेदानी के मुँह का कैंसर) or cervical cancer kaise hota hai.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women but it is one of the most preventable cancers we know. Here are 8 facts every woman should understand.
On this page
- 1. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV
- 2. The HPV vaccine is highly effective
- 3. Screening saves lives — even after vaccination
- 4. Cervical cancer found early is very treatable
- 5. Bleeding after intercourse is a warning sign
- 6. Surgery is for early-stage; chemoradiation for locally advanced
- 7. Fertility can sometimes be preserved
- 8. Second opinions are particularly valuable for cervical cancer
1. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV (types 16, 18 most commonly) causes more than 95% of cervical cancers. Most HPV infections clear on their own; persistent infection is the danger.
2. The HPV vaccine is highly effective
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before first sexual exposure (ages 9-14) but is also recommended up to age 45 in India. The 9-valent vaccine protects against the HPV types causing approximately 90% of cervical cancers.
3. Screening saves lives — even after vaccination
Vaccination does not replace screening. Recommended screening starts at age 25 (Pap smear every 3 years, or HPV testing every 5 years until age 65). Vaccinated women still need screening because the vaccine does not protect against every high-risk HPV type.
4. Cervical cancer found early is very treatable
Stage 1 disease has a 5-year survival above 90%. Stage 2 above 70%. Even Stage 3 has cure rates around 40-50% with chemoradiation. The myth that “cancer = death sentence” is outdated for cervical cancer.
In India, however, many cervical cancers are still found at a later stage, when treatment is harder. That is why screening and getting symptoms checked early matter so much.
5. Bleeding after intercourse is a warning sign
Bleeding after sex (post-coital bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge, or bleeding between periods can be early signs. They often have benign causes too — but always warrant evaluation.
6. Surgery is for early-stage; chemoradiation for locally advanced
The stage (how far the cancer has spread) decides the treatment. For early cervical cancer, usually stage IA2 to IB2, the main treatment is often a radical hysterectomy (removal of the womb, cervix and the tissue around them), or a fertility-sparing radical trachelectomy for selected small tumours. Open surgery is the standard for most women: the 2018 LACC trial found worse survival with keyhole or robotic radical hysterectomy than with open surgery, so keyhole or robotic surgery is only considered for selected small tumours (usually under 2 cm) after discussing this evidence. For locally advanced cancer (generally stage IB3 and above, II to IVA), the usual main treatment is chemoradiation rather than surgery: radiation therapy in cervical cancer care (often called sikai) of about 25 sessions over around 5 weeks, given with weekly cisplatin chemotherapy and followed by brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy). The right plan depends on your scans, biopsy and general health.
7. Fertility can sometimes be preserved
For very early disease in younger women, radical trachelectomy (removing only the cervix, keeping the uterus) preserves the option of future pregnancy. This is offered at selected gynaec-oncology centres.
8. Second opinions are particularly valuable for cervical cancer
The exact stage determines the right treatment. Sometimes outside-centre staging is incomplete, and a second opinion can change the treatment pathway from chemoradiation to surgery (or vice versa), preserving organ function or fertility.
What to do next
If you have symptoms, or a screening result that is not normal, see a gynaecologist first; most causes are not cancer. If a biopsy has confirmed cervical cancer, our guide to cervical cancer diagnosis and care explains the staging tests and treatment options. For HPV vaccination guidance, a cervical screening review or a second opinion on a cervical cancer diagnosis, contact Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel on WhatsApp at +91 76988 00333 or book an appointment. Video consultations are also available.
Related
External reference: WHO Cervical Cancer Fact Sheet.
FAQs
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV (types 16, 18 most commonly) causes more than 95% of cervical cancers. Most HPV infections clear on their own; persistent infection is the danger.
The HPV vaccine is highly effective
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before first sexual exposure (ages 9-14) but is also recommended up to age 45 in India. The 9-valent vaccine protects against the HPV types causing approximately 90% of cervical cancers.
Screening saves lives — even after vaccination
Vaccination does not replace screening. Recommended screening starts at age 25 (Pap smear every 3 years, or HPV testing every 5 years until age 65). Vaccinated women still need screening because the vaccine does not protect against every high-risk HPV type.
Is cervical cancer curable?
Stage 1 disease has a 5-year survival above 90%. Stage 2 above 70%. Even Stage 3 has cure rates around 40-50% with chemoradiation. The myth that "cancer = death sentence" is outdated for cervical cancer.
Bleeding after intercourse is a warning sign
Bleeding after sex (post-coital bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge, or bleeding between periods can be early signs. They often have benign causes too — but always warrant evaluation.
Reviewed by Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel, MBBS, DGO, DNB, Fellowship Gynaecological Oncology, ESGO-certified.