Cervical Cancer in Chhattisgarh: What Every Woman Should Know

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Chhattisgarh — and one of the most preventable. With regular Pap smear screening and HPV vaccination, cervical cancer can be detected at a pre-cancerous stage or prevented entirely. Yet in Raipur and across Chhattisgarh, most cases are still diagnosed late — because women are not aware of screening options or do not prioritise them.

This blog is for every woman in Chhattisgarh, and for every family. The information here can save lives.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — a common virus transmitted through sexual contact.

HPV infection is extremely common and usually clears on its own. However, in some women, certain high-risk strains of HPV cause cell changes in the cervix that, if untreated over time, can develop into cancer. This process takes years — which is why regular screening is so powerful. It catches the changes before they become cancer.

Why Is Cervical Cancer Particularly Common in Chhattisgarh?

• Limited awareness of Pap smear screening — many women have never had one
• Low HPV vaccination rates
• Delayed presentation — women wait until symptoms are severe
• Social and cultural barriers — gynaecological symptoms are frequently not discussed promptly

What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

Early cervical cancer often has no symptoms at all — the single most important reason why screening matters. When symptoms occur:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding — between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause
• Unusual vaginal discharge — watery, bloody, or foul-smelling
• Pelvic pain — persistent or during intercourse

Any of these symptoms requires immediate gynaecological evaluation.

What Is a Pap Smear — and Who Should Have One?

A Pap smear is a simple, quick screening test performed during a routine gynaecological examination. A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and examined for abnormal changes. It detects pre-cancerous changes that can be treated before they become cancer.

• Women aged 21 and above who are or have been sexually active
• Every 3 years for women aged 21-29
• Every 3-5 years for women aged 30-65 (combined with HPV testing)

What Is the HPV Vaccine — and Who Should Get It?

The HPV vaccine prevents infection with the high-risk strains of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. It is one of the very few vaccines that directly prevents cancer.

• Girls aged 9-14 — most effective before any HPV exposure (2 doses)
• Women aged 15-26 — still highly effective (3 doses)
• Women up to age 45 may also benefit — discuss with your doctor

The HPV vaccine is available in Raipur. Vaccinated women should still have regular Pap smears.

How Is Cervical Cancer Treated?

• Pre-cancerous changes: Minor procedures — LEEP, cryotherapy, cone biopsy
• Early-stage: Surgery and/or radiation therapy. Cure rates are very high.
• Locally advanced: Concurrent chemoradiation — chemotherapy and radiation together
• Advanced: Systemic treatment and palliative radiation

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of cervical cancer treatment. At AOI-BCR Hospital, Jora, Raipur, I provide radiation oncology treatment for cervical cancer patients across Chhattisgarh. You do not need to travel to Mumbai or Hyderabad.

A Message to Women in Raipur and Chhattisgarh

If you are a woman over 21 and have never had a Pap smear — please get one. If your daughter is between 9 and 14 — please speak to your doctor about the HPV vaccine. If you have any symptoms described above — please see a doctor this week.

The cases that break my heart are not the ones we could not treat. They are the ones we could have caught much earlier — if only the woman had come sooner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early symptoms of cervical cancer?
Early cervical cancer often has no symptoms. When symptoms appear: abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain. Any of these needs immediate evaluation.

Is cervical cancer common in Chhattisgarh?
Yes — one of the most common cancers among women in the state, with many cases diagnosed late due to low screening awareness.

What is a Pap smear?
A quick screening test detecting abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous. Women over 21 should have one every 3-5 years.

Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Yes — with HPV vaccination and regular Pap smear screening, it is largely preventable.

Is treatment available in Raipur?
Yes. Radiation therapy for cervical cancer is available at AOI-BCR Hospital, Jora, Raipur.

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Medical Disclaimer: This blog is for general awareness only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult Dr. Ashutosh Das Sharma or a qualified oncologist for advice specific to your situation.