Metropolis Healthcare Introduces HPV DNA Testing to Strengthen Cervical Cancer Screening in India

This initiative aims to improve cervical cancer screening accessibility across India, particularly in Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV towns, by addressing social and economic barriers to early detection.

Metropolis Healthcare has launched a self-sampling HPV DNA test in collaboration with Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets. This initiative aims to improve cervical cancer screening accessibility across India, particularly in Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV towns, by addressing social and economic barriers to early detection.

Cervical cancer remains a significant health challenge in India, contributing to 21% of global cases.

According to official data, nearly 79,000 Indian women die from the disease each year, accounting for two-thirds of diagnosed cases. The late-stage detection of cervical cancer highlights the urgent need for improved early screening measures.

HPV DNA Test: A WHO-Recognized Screening Tool

The newly launched HPV DNA test is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a preferred screening method for cervical cancer prevention.

The test is designed to detect 14 high-risk HPV types in a single sample, providing a clinically validated, FDA-approved, and WHO-prequalified diagnostic solution.

“Cervical cancer remains a major health challenge for Indian women, despite being preventable through early screening and vaccination. By introducing advanced screening tools like the HPV DNA test, in collaboration with Roche Diagnostics India, we aim to expand access to early detection across the country. At Metropolis, we are committed to leveraging our robust scientific expertise, extensive laboratory network, and strong partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers to ensure widespread access to this essential test. Together, we are working toward a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat,” said Surendran Chemmenkotil, Chief Executive Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Limited.

The self-sampling feature of the HPV DNA test allows women to collect their samples in a comfortable and private setting, reducing barriers such as stigma, discomfort, and lack of access to healthcare facilities. This approach is expected to encourage more women to undergo screening.

Need for Increased Screening in India

Despite the availability of screening methods, cervical cancer detection in India remains low. According to the 2020 National Family Health Survey (NFHS), only 1.9% of Indian women undergo regular cervical cancer screening. Experts emphasize that broader adoption of HPV DNA testing could improve early diagnosis rates and reduce mortality.

“Considering that as per a 2020 NFHS survey, only about 1.9% of women in India are currently being screened, it is clear that more needs to be done to make cervical cancer screening accessible across India. Our cobas HPV DNA test provides women with a solution that allows them to overcome the potential embarrassment and discomfort that some may feel about undergoing the cervical cancer screening process. I am confident that Metropolis Healthcare’s vast and established laboratory footprint will allow India to adopt cervical cancer screening at a large scale, especially in underserved areas,” said Rishubh Gupta, Managing Director, Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets.