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| Photo by Nahi Khabar 24/7 – via Personal Collection |
Health authorities in Pakistan have warned of a sharp increase in cervical cancer cases across the country, citing lack of screening, low vaccination rates, and awareness gaps as key contributing factors.
Recent data from cancer registries indicates that new cervical cancer diagnoses have risen by approximately 20–25 percent over the past five years. Experts say many cases are being detected too late, when treatment is more complex and survival rates lower.
Health officials point to several reasons for the trend, including:
- Very low HPV vaccination coverage, especially in rural and remote areas
- Insufficient screening programs, with limited access to Pap smear tests and HPV DNA testing
- Lack of awareness among women about cervical cancer symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis
- Cultural and socioeconomic barriers that discourage women from seeking preventive care
The government has announced plans to expand vaccination drives and subsidize screening services in rural regions. NGOs working in public health are also ramping up education campaigns to break stigma and misinformation surrounding cervical cancer.
Medical specialists emphasize that early detection significantly improves outcomes, and that HPV vaccination among young girls before sexual debut remains the best defense.
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