Preventable but not prevented: the reality of cervical cancer*

Since 1984 we have planned for a screening program for our State. We have a population of 78.9 million. Approximately 15 million women in the age group of 35-64 years have to be screened. The health care infrastructure is good with 36 medical colleges and over 35 district hospitals. Screening is planned in phases. Trained personnel are the key to a successful program. In the final analysis, cervical cancer is not just a biomedical disease. It has socio-cultural and economic implications.