Every seven minutes, nearly one woman in India loses her life to cervical cancer, despite it being largely preventable
News Stardom : Kolkata, 6th May, 2026: MSD (known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada) today announced the launch of its cervical cancer awareness campaign in India, in collaboration with acclaimed actor, public figure and Mother, Madhuri Dixit Nene. The campaign initiative aims to bring conversations around women’s preventive health to the forefront and encourage women and parents across India to speak to their doctors about cervical cancer and appropriate preventive healthcare options.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in India. Despite being largely preventable through timely medical consultation and preventive measures, nearly one woman in India dies every seven minutes, amounting to approximately 200 deaths every day (Data as per Globocan HPV India Report 2023). The campaign seeks to address critical gaps in awareness and the tendency to delay preventive healthcare, particularly among women.
As part of the initiative, a series of short digital films featuring Madhuri Dixit was released across digital platforms. Through relatable, factual and informative messaging, the films highlight key facts about cervical cancer, its link to the human papillomavirus (HPV), and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals. The films urge women and parents to prioritize conversations with gynecologists and pediatricians about cervical cancer prevention, reinforcing the importance of awareness and informed discussions with healthcare professionals.
It encourages individuals and families to reflect on how health decisions are frequently delayed until symptoms appear despite the availability of effective preventive options. The campaign underscores that cervical cancer should not become another disease detected at a later stage.
Speaking on the initiative, Brecht Vanneste, Managing Director, MSD India region, said, “Cervical cancer awareness and early consultation are a critical public health priority. Raising awareness about HPV and preventive healthcare can significantly improve long‑term health outcomes for women. At MSD, we are committed to supporting initiatives that encourage informed conversations and empower women to take proactive steps to protect their health.”
Sharing her perspective on the initiative, Madhuri Dixit said, “Women often put their own health last while taking care of everyone else. Women’s health deserves attention, priority, and open conversations. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers where awareness and informed discussion play an important role. Through this initiative, I hope more women and families feel empowered to speak with their doctors about cervical cancer and appropriate preventive healthcare. Speaking with a doctor is an act of self-care, and it should never be postponed.”
Through this campaign, MSD aims to contribute to broader public health efforts focused on prevention, education and informed decision‑making. By encouraging timely conversations and increasing awareness, the initiative seeks to support healthier futures for women and families across India. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for information related to cervical cancer and preventive healthcare.
Note:
For most people HPV clears on its own. However, for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV related cancers and diseases.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed are personal and intended solely to encourage general health awareness. They do not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical guidance. This initiative is intended to support existing public health efforts and does not replace or substitute any government led cervical cancer prevention, screening, or immunization programs.
Links to digital films:
1. https://youtu.be/t42wMfTvQng?si=0-lADbU_7vHh7-Ud
2. https://youtu.be/pXhmXsJhQGs?si=w_QYf665EP_5H93I
3. https://youtu.be/JEpO6HMHRb4?si=Vet3IBT4cSCTmRtj
About MSD:
At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities.
References:
1. Bruni L, Albero G, Serrano B, et al. ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (HPV Information Centre). Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases in India. Summary Report 22 October 2021. Accessed 14 April, 2026
2. WHO, Questions and Answers about HPV, 2024, second edition, https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/WHO-EURO-2024-5631-49185-73415, Accessed 14 April, 2026
3. HPV and HPV testing, American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-and-hpv-testing.html Accessed 14 April, 2026
IN-GSL-01725 17/4/2026 – 22/1/2027
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