SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir reported an estimated 684 cervical cancer cases in 2023, up from 612 cases in 2019, according to figures tabled in the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The data, sourced from the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Cancer Registry Programme, highlights a steady year-on-year rise in HPV-linked cervical cancer across States and Union Territories.
The registry data shows a consistent increase in cervical cancer incidence nationwide, from 73289 cases in 2019 to 81121 cases in 2023. Ladakh recorded 17 cases in 2023, compared with 15 cases in 2019. Larger States such as Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal continue to contribute heavily to the national burden, with Uttar Pradesh alone accounting for 10825 cases in 2023.
Responding to the query in Parliament, the Ministry noted that Human Papilloma Virus vaccines are not part of the Universal Immunisation Programme, which currently covers 11 vaccines against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. However, it said a capacity-building exercise has begun for medical and paramedical staff in preparation for cervical cancer vaccination.
The Government also listed both domestic and imported HPV vaccines approved for use in India, though pricing details were not included in the parliamentary response. On measures to counter anti-vaccine misinformation, the Ministry said that it continues to work with health institutions to promote evidence-based awareness on cervical cancer prevention.
The data presented to Parliament includes State-wise incidence estimates for the past five years, underscoring persistent regional disparities. Tamil Nadu reported 8534 cases in 2023, Maharashtra 7207 and Karnataka 4900, while smaller populations such as Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands saw fewer than 30 cases.
The Ministry’s reply indicates that while cervical cancer remains one of India’s major cancer burdens, vaccine preparedness and surveillance activities are being scaled up, even as HPV vaccination is yet to be integrated into the national immunisation schedule.
