Late Detection of Cervical Cancer Remains Major Health Concern in Urban Uttar Pradesh: Max Hospital Doctors
Lucknow | January 20, 2026 : Despite significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure across urban centres, late-stage detection of cervical cancer continues to be a serious public health concern in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in cities like Lucknow, doctors at Max Super Speciality Hospital have warned.
Citing the FOGSI Report 2025, experts noted that cervical cancer accounts for 87.6 per cent of HPV-related cancers among women in India. Uttar Pradesh contributes a substantial share of these cases, with urban populations forming a significant portion of the disease burden.
Dr. Chandrima Ray, Consultant – Gynaecological Onco-surgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow, said that lack of awareness, fear and widespread misconceptions are the primary reasons for delayed diagnosis.
“Despite access to advanced hospitals and diagnostic facilities, many women hesitate to undergo routine screening. Myths surrounding Pap smear tests being painful, along with fear of emotional distress and financial burden, often prevent timely medical consultation,” she said.
Working women are particularly vulnerable to missing regular screenings. Dr. Ray explained that demanding work schedules and family responsibilities frequently lead women to neglect preventive healthcare.
“Early symptoms are often ignored or misinterpreted, resulting in patients seeking medical help only when the disease has progressed to an advanced stage,” she added.Medical guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening starting at the age of 21, regardless of sexual history. Women aged 21 to 29 years should undergo a Pap smear every three years, while those above this age group are advised to opt for both Pap smear and HPV testing at regular intervals. However, compliance with these recommendations remains low.
Dr. Ray highlighted that early symptoms are usually mild and easily overlooked.“Abnormal vaginal bleeding—such as spotting between menstrual cycles, bleeding after intercourse, or post-menopausal bleeding—is the most common warning sign,” she noted.Doctors are also increasingly observing cases involving persistent watery or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and lower back pain, even among younger women.
Emphasising the urgency of early detection, Dr. Ray stated that over 50 per cent of cervical cancer patients visiting the OPD are diagnosed at an advanced stage.
“Cervical cancer is largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening. Early diagnosis not only improves treatment outcomes but also saves lives,” she said.