Cervical cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in India. However, disparities in cervical screening exist between rural and urban women. 

A nationwide study revealed that cervical screening coverage remains alarmingly low at 2%. Urban women reported a higher screening rate of 2.4% compared to 1.8%. among their rural counterparts. 

This disparity is attributed to factors such as regional differences, inequalities in education, membership in scheduled tribes, and socioeconomic gaps. 

Higher odds of screening were related with older age, higher education, later age at first intercourse, marital status, and diabetes. 

South Indian women showed higher odds of having screening compared to other regions. Conversely, lower odds were observed among Muslim women, scheduled tribes, and users of hormonal contraceptives. 

Addressing these disparities requires strengthening education and improving healthcare access in tribal and rural areas to enhance cervical cancer screening coverage in India.

Source: BMC Cancer | [Read Full Story] (https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-025-13446-z)
