Cervical Cancer in India: Role of Insurance

Posted on: Jun 19, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Cervical Cancer in India: Role of Insurance

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects women of different age groups. It starts in the lower part of the uterus, called the cervix, and can spread to other body parts if not treated in time. Cervical cancer is mainly caused by a common virus called HPV, which spreads through sexual contact.

Although a serious condition, cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular check-ups and the HPV vaccine. Since many women do not show symptoms in the early stages, timely screenings are important. If caught early, the condition can usually be treated successfully.

Cervical Cancer Scenario in India

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer-related cause of death for women in India. Right now, over 511 million women aged 15 and above are at risk. In 2020 alone, India made up 21% of all new cervical cancer cases in the world.

Recent data shows that over 1.27 lakh Indian women were diagnosed with cervical cancer. Nearly 80,000 of them lost their lives, accounting for more than a quarter of all cervical cancer deaths in low- and middle-income countries.

What’s worrying is that many women in India are diagnosed late, often in their 50s, when the disease has already spread. In fact, almost 67% of the cases are found in advanced stages, making treatment harder and outcomes worse.

If things don’t change, the numbers are expected to rise sharply. By 2040, India could see nearly 2 lakh new cases and over 1.2 lakh deaths each year from cervical cancer. However, with better awareness, timely screenings, access to HPV vaccines and cancer insurance, we can expect better outcomes for women.

Importance of Cancer Insurance

Here is why having health insurance with cancer cover is important:

• Financial support for treatment:

Cancer treatment can be extremely costly, and cancer insurance provides financial support to cover medical expenses. It ensures you can access the best care without worrying about the costs.

• Comprehensive coverage:

Cancer insurance typically covers a wide range of treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, hospitalisation and post-treatment care. The policy offers a safety net for various stages of the disease.

• Payouts on diagnosis:

If you are diagnosed with a cancer covered under the plan, you receive guaranteed benefits based on the stage of diagnosis. This payout can help lighten the financial load by covering medical and daily costs.

• Prevents depleting savings:

Cancer treatment often involves long-term care. In such cases, a cancer insurance policy helps protect personal savings and assets, preventing them from being drained during treatment.

• Peace of mind:

With cancer insurance as a financial backup, you can focus on your recovery instead of worrying about medical bills.

Conclusion

Given the increasing number of cervical cancer cases in India, women must have cancer insurance that covers this condition. The right policy can provide financial support and peace of mind during treatment, protect savings, and allow you to focus on recovery without financial stress. Having the right insurance can truly ease the burden during such a challenging time.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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