Recently, media reports went abuzz that the central government is planning to roll out a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in the second quarter of 2024 to target girls in the 9-14 age group.
However, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shared that these reports are not true, and they are yet to decide whether they will roll out vaccines to prevent cervical cancer in the country, although they are keeping a close watch on the rise in cervical cancer cases in the country. According to the HPV Information Centre, 1,23,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 77,348 die from the disease every year in India.
This vaccination programme is much needed in the country and has been advised by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization to the Rajya Sabha as well. However, till that becomes a possibility, there are steps that the masses can take to protect themselves. To know more about these preventive measures, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Hrishikesh D Pai, President, FOGSI.
HPV And Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer occurs when cervix cells grow uncontrollably causing tumours and start spreading to other parts of the body as well. According to the National Cancer Institute, the most common cause of cervical cancer is HPV, which is a group of more than 200 viruses that can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Dr Pai said, “Cervical cancer is one of the rare cancers for which the cause is known and the good news is that it can be prevented.”
According to the National Health Survey, HPV does not usually cause any symptoms. That is why HPV is also often called the ‘silent killer.’ Most people with HPV do not realise that they have the infection. However, in some rare cases, HPV may cause painless growths or lumps around your vagina, penis or anus, also called genital warts.
Also Read: Cervical Cancer Awareness: Tips To Maintain Genital Hygiene To Prevent Or Manage HPV
HPV Prevention
Dr Pai said, “You have already lost the battle if you get diagnosed with cancer. That is why it is important to focus on preventing and being aware of tips to reduce the risk of HPV and cervical cancer.”
Listing some measures that can help prevent HPV infections, Dr Pai shared:
- Educate your children from a young age about common health issues, including HPV infection.
- Parents should be educated about preventive measures, such as vaccines.
- Get the HPV vaccine which has the potential to prevent up to 90% of cancers caused by HPV infection and genital warts.
- HPV vaccine can also prevent other types of cancers that can be caused by HPV, including anal, vaginal, vulvar, and throat cancers.
- According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ‘women should be screened for cervical cancer every 5-10 years starting at age 30. Women living with HIV should be screened every 3 years starting at age 25.’
- The WHO also shared that precancers rarely cause symptoms. That is why it is crucial to get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even after HPV vaccination.
The HPV vaccination programme is much needed in India to create enhanced awareness around this infection that can silently manifest into cervical cancer. However, till the centre rolls out a vaccination programme to protect the masses, we must be aware of this life-threatening infection so we can take necessary precautions to protect ourselves.