News Brief
India Ramps Up Cervical Cancer Screening With 10.18 Crore Women Covered
In India, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women. (Photo by Anna Tarazevich)
In a major milestone in women's health, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has screened over 10.18 crore women aged 30 years and above screened for cervical cancer.
The ministry had launched NCD Screening Campaign (20 February 2025 to 31 March 2025) to achieve universal screening of individuals aged 30 years and above.
The campaign was conducted nationwide across Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) (AAMs) and other healthcare facilities under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Disease.
"As per National NCD Portal as on 20th July 2025, out of an eligible population of 25.42 crore females aged 30 years and above, 10.18 Crores have been screened for cervical cancer," Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, stated in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday (25 July).
This achievement is part of the population-based initiative for screening, prevention, and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) through the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs).
The initiative targets women aged 30 to 65 years, with screening primarily done using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) at Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres under AAM by trained health workers.
VIA-positive cases are referred to higher centres for further diagnostic evaluation.
ASHAs also help generate awareness about the importance of early detection and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication campaigns at the community level further support the preventive aspect of cancer control.
Events such as National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day are observed regularly.
Additionally, the use of print, electronic, and social media platforms ensures continuous public engagement on NCDs including cervical cancer.
Under NHM, States and Union Territories are provided with dedicated funds for awareness generation activities as per their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).
