What is Cervical Cancer?

• It is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix — the lowermost part of the uterus. 
• Cervical cancer is caused by chronic infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted virus. 
• One can prevent getting this virus by taking vaccination. If the vaccine is given to girls before sexual exposure between 9-14 years, it is more than 99% effective in preventing cervical cancer. 
• The vaccine also protects against genital warts and some other cancers also like anal, vulval vaginal, penile, oropharyngeal cancers as well some cancers of head and neck. 

Why in News?

• To strengthen the fight against cervical cancer, India has pledged a grant of $7.5 million for testing, screening, and diagnosis of the disease in the Indo-Pacific region.