The vaccine being introduced by the union government in the next six months to safeguard women against some cancers will also cover cervical cancer, the second most prevalent cancer in India, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the world’s cervical cancer deaths despite being largely preventable.

The other two cancers that the vaccine is designed to protect are breast and oral malignancies.

The vaccine will be available for girls aged nine to 16 years.

Along with the vaccination drive, the  women above the age of 30 will receive regular cancer check-ups at hospitals, which will help improve early detection. The government has plans to establish daycare cancer centers for timely treatment and assisting women’s health.

Ayush centers have also been established in hospitals across the country, with 12,500 such facilities already operational and more in line.

According to the government estimate, every year around 1.25 lakh women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 75 thousand die from the disease.

Cervical cancer: India’s silent killer

Earlier this month, the government said that cancer remains a critical public health challenge in India, with cases projected to rise significantly. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the  number of cancer cases in the country was more than 14 lakhs in 2023.

Cervical cancer in particular is a major challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it “is the fourth most common cancer in women globally.”

“More women in India die from cervical cancer than in any other country,” according to the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, under the ICMR.

In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Government enhanced cancer care through several key initiatives which include Day Care Cancer Centres.  The government plans to establish these centres in all district hospitals over the next three years, with 200 centres slated for 2025-26.

The Budget proposed to add 36 life saving drugs and medicines for cancer and other rare diseases to the list of medicines fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty. It also added 6 life saving medicines to the list attracting concessional customs duty of 5%.

Also read: Explainer: Why HPV vaccination is the most effective strategy against cervical cancer – First Check