Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 11: Cervical health is a subject that often remains unspoken, despite its critical importance in a woman’s overall well-being. For many women, the hesitation to discuss or prioritise cervical health does not stem from neglect, but from discomfort, embarrassment, fear of medical procedures, or the belief that the absence of pain means everything is normal.
Busy lifestyles, balancing work, family and personal responsibilities, further push regular check-ups down the priority list.

Medical experts, however, warn that waiting for visible symptoms can be risky. Many cervical conditions, including pre-cancerous changes, develop silently and may only show signs when the disease has already progressed.

Explaining this, Dr Tripti Raheja, Director – Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said that there is a common tendency among women to wait for a “red flag” such as pain or abnormal symptoms before visiting a doctor. “When it comes to the cervix, sometimes no news really is bad news. The cervix plays a crucial role in menstruation, fertility, pregnancy and childbirth, yet many of its problems develop quietly without warning signs,” she noted.

Dr Raheja pointed out that in the early stages, pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix are almost always silent, with little to no pain or bleeding. “A woman may not realise something is wrong until symptoms such as pelvic pain or unusual discharge appear,” she added, stressing that proactive screening is key to early detection and effective treatment.

Highlighting the role of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), she said it is one of the most common infections and the leading cause of cervical cancer. “HPV can remain in the body for years without causing any noticeable symptoms. Women may unknowingly pass it on to their partners while the virus quietly affects cervical cells,” she explained.

Neglecting cervical health can also have wider consequences for the reproductive system. Dr Raheja cautioned that untreated cervical infections can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, potentially leading to pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility issues in the future. She also emphasised the cervix’s vital role during pregnancy in protecting the developing baby.

January is observed by the World Health Organisation as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, serving as an important reminder for women to prioritise regular screenings and preventive care. In addition, November 17, 2025 marked World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day — the first official global health day dedicated to eliminating a specific cancer.

Health experts urge women to normalise conversations around cervical health, discuss it openly with family and friends, and most importantly, schedule routine check-ups without fear or hesitation. Proactive care, they say, can make a life-saving difference.