More than 10 Crore Women Screened for Cervical Cancer
Union Health minister Jadhav in Parliament on NCDs
Continuous Awareness and Advocacy Need of the Day
New Delhi ; Out of an eligible population of 25.42 crore females aged 30 years and above, 10.18 crore have been screened for cervical cancer, As of July 20 this year, based on data from the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Portal, the ministry stated in a response by Centre , Union Health Ministry in Parliament.
It added that they have tested nearly 40% of women eligible for cervical cancer screening.
Union Health Minister Prataprao Jadhav said In a written response to Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK) on Friday. Jadhav added, government is using print, electronic, and social media platforms to raise community awareness and ensure public engagement on NCDs including cervical cancer. Events such as National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day are observed regularly, the minister noted.
The minister also highlighted the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in spreading awareness at the grassroots level.
These workers identify individuals at risk, educate them about early detection and healthy lifestyles, and encourage participation in regular check-ups and screenings at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM), he said.
30 to 65 years are examined for cervical cancer once every five years which shows expanding on the screening process, said Jadhav.
These.women are tested using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method—a naked-eye screening technique using a weak acetic acid—at public health facilities by trained health workers.
Women who test positive are referred for further diagnostic procedures.
