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India's Cervical Cancer Milestone: Over 1.2 Crore Women Screened in 2025

The Indian government has achieved a significant milestone in women's healthcare this year. Over 1.2 crore women have been screened for cervical cancer under a national prevention program. Health Minister Prataprao Jadhav shared these encouraging figures in Parliament, noting a steady increase in screening rates. This effort is part of a broader push for universal health coverage and early disease detection across the country.

Key Points: Over 1.2 Crore Women Screened for Cervical Cancer in 2025

  • Screening numbers have surged from 21 lakh in 2020-21 to over 1.2 crore in 2025
  • The initiative targets all individuals above the age of 30 for NCD screening
  • Cervical cancer mortality rose from 28,255 in 2014 to 35,691 in 2023
  • Over 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational, conducting wellness sessions
3 min read

Over 1.20 crore women screened for cervical cancer in 2025: Govt

Health Minister Prataprao Jadhav reveals over 1.20 crore women screened for cervical cancer in 2025, highlighting a major public health push under NHM.

"Population-based screening helps in better management of diseases by the way of early stage of detection, follow-up, and treatment adherence. - Union Health Minister Prataprao Jadhav"

New Delhi, Dec 5

More than 1.20 crore women in India have been screened for cervical cancer in 2025, the government informed the Parliament on Friday.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister for Health, Prataprao Jadhav, shared that a population-based initiative for prevention, control, and screening for common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cervical cancer, has been rolled out in the country under the National Health Mission (NHM) as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care.

Under the initiative, persons more than 30 years of age are targeted for their screening.

As per the National NCD Portal, the rate of screening for cervical cancer has consistently increased since 2020-21.

“In 2020-21, screening for cervical cancer was done for 2,111,011 women. The number rose to 5,950,309 (in 2021-22), 18,684,268 (2022-23), 11,595,917 (2023-24), 17,548,256 (2024-25), and 12,723,558 (till November 30, 2025),” Jadhav told the Lower House.

“The estimated 28,255 number of mortalities occurred due to cervical cancer in 2014, and it rose to 35,691 in 2023,” said the Minister, citing data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)- National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP).

Further, he informed that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is actively undertaking several initiatives to promote preventive healthcare and mobile health delivery, particularly in rural and remote areas, under the broader vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), comprehensive primary healthcare (CPHC) is provided by strengthening Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) for an expanded range of services encompassing reproductive and child healthcare services, elderly care services, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, emergency medical services, and other health issues.

“As reported by States/UTs on AAM portal, a total of 1,80,906 AAMs have been operationalised in India, till October 31. Wellness-related activities like Yoga, cycling, and meditation are conducted in AAMs. As of October 31, 6.37 crore wellness sessions, including Yoga, have been conducted at AAMs,” Jadhav said.

Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), a population-based initiative for prevention, control, and screening for common NCDs has been rolled out in the country under the National Health Mission (NHM) and also as a part of CPHC.

“Population-based screening helps in better management of diseases by the way of early stage of detection, follow-up, and treatment adherence,” Jadhav said.

“A total of 39.79 crore screenings for hypertension, 39.60 crore for diabetes, 33.57 crore for oral cancer, 15.72 crore for breast cancer have been carried out at all health facilities till November 30,” he added, citing data from the NP-NCD portal.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the numbers look impressive, the real challenge is in rural and tribal areas. I hope the mobile health units are reaching the most remote villages. The mortality rate increase from 2014 to 2023 is still worrying.
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Sarah B
As someone working in public health, the scale of this screening program is commendable. 1.2 crore screenings in a year is no small feat. Integrating it with yoga and wellness at AAMs is a smart, holistic approach. Hope they keep the momentum.
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Aditi M
The data shows screening went down in 2023-24? 1.16 crore from 1.86 crore the previous year. Was there a funding issue or a pandemic backlog? Transparency in these fluctuations would build more trust in the program.
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Karthik V
Good step forward. But screening is only the first step. What about the cost and accessibility of treatment after detection? Ayushman Bharat helps, but we need more cancer care hospitals, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities.
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Meera T
Awareness is key! Many women in my apartment complex were hesitant. We organized a small session with a doctor from the PHC. Once the fear was addressed, many went for screening. Community participation can boost these numbers further. 👍

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