Cervical cancer is the one gynaecological cancer with an established, effective screening pathway — Pap smear and HPV testing — and a vaccine that prevents most cases. Dr. Dipanwita Banerjee, an IFCPC IARC certified colposcopist, brings screening, early detection and treatment together under one specialist.
Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix and is caused, in the overwhelming majority of cases, by persistent infection with certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It is distinct among gynaecological cancers in India in that it has both a validated routine screening pathway and a preventive vaccine — meaning most cases are, in principle, preventable or detectable at a pre-cancerous stage.
Dr. Banerjee's practice covers the full pathway for cervical cancer: screening interpretation, colposcopy for abnormal results, HPV vaccination guidance, and surgical treatment — including robotic surgery — for confirmed disease.
Early cervical cell changes often cause no symptoms at all, which is precisely why routine screening — rather than waiting for symptoms — is recommended.
The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding — including bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause — or unusual discharge.
Cervical cancer is the only gynaecological cancer among the five Dr. Banerjee treats with a routine screening pathway: the Pap smear and the HPV test.
When a Pap smear or HPV test comes back abnormal, colposcopy — a detailed magnified examination of the cervix — is the recommended next step to identify pre-cancerous changes early.
HPV infection is the key risk factor for cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against the strains of HPV responsible for over 95% of cervical cancers, and Dr. Banerjee strongly recommends vaccination for girls aged 9–26 years, and in some cases up to age 45.
India now has a domestically produced HPV vaccine, Cervavac, which has made vaccination more accessible. Vaccination combined with regular cervical screening remains the most effective prevention strategy available.
From screening interpretation through to surgical treatment, Dr. Banerjee's cervical cancer practice draws on her certification as a colposcopist, her research background in HPV, and her fellowship training in robotic surgery.
As an IFCPC IARC certified colposcopist, Dr. Banerjee performs colposcopy to identify pre-cancerous cervical changes early — before they progress to cancer — following an abnormal Pap smear or HPV test.
She advises on HPV vaccination, including Cervavac, India's domestically produced vaccine, for eligible age groups as part of preventive care.
Dr. Banerjee served as Site Principal Investigator for the Serum Institute HPV vaccine trial, giving her direct research experience in HPV prevention alongside her clinical practice.
For confirmed cervical cancer, she performs radical and reconstructive surgery using internationally recognised, evidence-based guidelines.
Fellowship-trained at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Centre, New York, she performs minimally invasive robotic procedures for cervical cancer where appropriate — offering faster recovery and reduced surgical trauma compared to open surgery.
For younger women with early-stage disease, she provides counselling on fertility-sparing surgical options where the clinical picture allows it.
"Committed to bringing the highest standard of gynaecological cancer care — with science, skill, and deep compassion — to every patient who trusts me with their care."