Improving Cervical Cancer Survival Rates in India: A Regional Analysis

October 20, 2023

A recent study, published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia, has shed light on the varying survival rates of cervical cancer patients across different regions in India.

Key Findings

The study, which analyzed data from Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) between 2012 and 2015, revealed important findings:

Overall Survival Rate: During the study period, the overall survival rate for cervical cancer cases in India was 52%. This marks a notable improvement of approximately 6% compared to the previous SurvCan survey-3, where the survival rate stood at 46%.

Regional Disparities: The study assessed various urban PBCRs in different Indian regions, uncovering significant disparities in survival rates. Notably, Ahmedabad’s urban PBCR reported the highest survival rate at 61.5%, followed by Thiruvananthapuram at 58.8%, and Kollam at 56.1%. In contrast, Tripura recorded the lowest survival rate at a mere 1.6%.

Exploring the Data: 5,591 Cases Examined

The research focused on a total of 5,591 cervical cancer cases diagnosed between 2012 and 2015, drawing from 11 PBCRs across India. These findings highlight the importance of understanding regional variations in cervical cancer survival rates.

Challenges in the Northeastern Region

Survival rates were notably lower in India’s northeastern region, particularly in PBCRs located in Tripura, Pasighat, and Kamrup urban. The study suggests that several factors contribute to these disparities, including:

Access to Diagnostic Services: Variations in the availability of diagnostic services in different regions play a crucial role in early detection and treatment.
Effective Treatment: The quality and accessibility of treatment options vary across the population, affecting patients’ chances of survival.
Distance from Clinical Care Facilities: Proximity to healthcare facilities can influence the timely access to medical care and interventions.
Travel Costs: The financial burden of traveling to healthcare centers can be a barrier to seeking treatment for many patients.
Co-morbidities: Pre-existing health conditions may complicate cervical cancer cases and influence survival rates.
Poverty: Socioeconomic factors, including poverty, can impact a patient’s ability to access healthcare services and adhere to treatment plans.

A Comprehensive Research Effort

The study was conducted by a research team that included scientists from the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research and the Indian Council of Medical Research. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and improved access to healthcare services, especially in regions with lower survival rates. Efforts to raise awareness, provide screenings, and enhance the quality of care are essential steps toward reducing cervical cancer mortality and improving survival rates in India.

« Previous Post Next Post »