AIIMS New Delhi Launches Free Cervical Cancer Screening Drive

In a major public health initiative, AIIMS New Delhi has announced free cervical cancer screenings for the entire month of January 2026. The drive comes as a response to alarming statistics showing that India loses one woman every eight minutes to this largely preventable disease.

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The initiative is a collaboration between the Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (IRCH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the College of Nursing.

1. Screening & Vaccination Schedule

The drive utilizes WHO-recommended HPV testing (Cobas HPV/Hybrid Capture-2), which is considered more accurate than traditional Pap smears for early detection.

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2. Why Early Detection Matters

Cervical cancer is unique because it has a long precancerous phase of 10–15 years, providing a significant window for life-saving intervention.

• Prevention Goal: Doctors emphasize that with regular screening and vaccination, this is one cancer that can be completely eliminated from India.

• WHO Recommendation: Women are advised to undergo at least two lifetime HPV tests—ideally at age 35 and again at age 45.

• Risk Factors: Persistent high-risk HPV infection is the primary cause. Risks increase with early marriage, multiple pregnancies, smoking, and weakened immunity.

3. The High Cost of Neglect

According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data, the disease continues to take a heavy toll on Indian families:

• Annual New Cases: ~1.27 Lakh in India.

• Annual Deaths: ~80,000 in India.

• Global Standing: It is the second most common cancer among women in India and the fourth globally.

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