New Delhi: In a landmark achievement for women’s preventive healthcare, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare announced that more than 10.18 crore women aged 30 years and above have been screened for cervical cancer across India under the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) initiative and the National Health Mission (NHM).
This milestone is part of the Government of India’s population-based Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) screening initiative aimed at early detection and management of life-threatening conditions such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
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Cervical Cancer: Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid Method
Women between the ages of 30 and 65 are screened using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method by trained frontline health workers at Sub-Health and Primary Health Centres across the country. Those testing positive are referred to higher-level health facilities for further diagnostic evaluation and treatment.
ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) have played a critical role in mobilizing women by using the Community-Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) to identify risk factors and ensure timely participation in screening programs.
Their grassroots involvement, coupled with targeted community outreach and regular observance of health days like National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day, has significantly boosted public participation.
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The Ministry also conducted a special NCD Screening Campaign from February 20 to March 31, 2025, aimed at accelerating coverage. This time-bound initiative, combined with ongoing awareness campaigns through print, electronic, and social media, has resulted in one of the largest cervical cancer screening efforts in the world.
According to the National NCD Portal, as of July 20, 2025, 10.18 crore women out of the 25.42 crore eligible female population have been screened—underscoring India’s focused commitment to reducing the burden of cervical cancer through proactive, preventive healthcare measures.
The update was shared by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
