Tamil Nadu Leads Nation as First State to Provide Free Cervical Cancer Vaccine for Girls Under 14

In a significant step towards cervical cancer prevention, Tamil Nadu has Become the first Indian state to provide free cervical cancer vaccine to girls aged up to 14. The State Government has allocated Rs 38 crore to fund free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, aiming to curb one of the most common cancers among women in India.

According to state health officials, the phased rollout includes awareness campaigns and vaccination drives covering girls across both rural and urban areas. The programme aims to ensure equitable access to the HPV vaccine through government hospitals and community outreach.

Understanding Cervical Cancer and its Risk Factors

Cervical Cancer is primarily caused by a persistent infection with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which can lead to genital warts and other cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV being a sexually transmitted infection (STI), early vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the associated health risks.

According to the Indian Cancer Society, cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time, with the initial appearance of abnormal cells in the cervical tissue. With time, these cancer cells eventually grow and spread deeply into the cervix and surrounding areas.

Also Read: Cervical Cancer Survivors Face Nearly Double the Risk of Anal Cancer, New Study Warns

The Indian Cancer Society lists the following risk factors:

• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection
• Sexually active at younger age
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Poor genital hygiene
• Smoking
• Multiple pregnancies
• Weakened immune system
• Malnutrition
• Prolonged use of Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)

Cervical Cancer: Most Common In India

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women health in India. As per current data, approximately 1,32,000 new cases are diagnosed and around 77,000 deaths occur annually. According to a study published in Thieme Journal of science and medicine, Indian women face a 2.5% cumulative lifetime risk and 1.4% cumulative death risk from cervical cancer. These staggering numbers highlight the need for proactive measures such as nationwide vaccination campaigns.

Tamil Nadu’s decision to fund universal HPV vaccine for girls from age 1 to 14 can significantly reduce the risk of cancer, eventually reducing the death count. The state government has also increased its overall health budget to Rs 21,906 crore, including Rs 110 crore dedicated to work on early cancer detection methods, signalling a robust commitment to tackling cancer from multiple angles.

Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

According to the Indian Cancer Society, women with pre-cancerous and early-stage cervical cancer usually face no signs as the symptoms appear only after disease reaches an advanced stage. However, women can refer to the following symptoms:

• Irregular, inter-menstrual bleeding.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after menopause.
• Vaginal discomfort or odorous discharge from vagina.
• Excessive pain during sex
• Consistent pain in Back, leg or pelvic area
• Sudden fatigue and weight loss
• Swelling in one leg

Shift From Treatment To Prevention

Tamil Nadu’s initiative represents a crucial shift from treatment to prevention, setting a national example for other states as well. According to the Thieme Journal study, while there are a other few methods in the existance, prevention by HPV vaccination is the most effective as of now.

This move also aligns Tamil Nadu with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global target of eliminating cervical cancer by the year 2030. Experts take this effort as a model for other states and organisations still relying on less comprehensive cancer prevention strategies.

However, along with vaccination, promoting health education and awareness about cervical cancer to encourage screening and dispel vaccine hesitancy is highly crucial.

Also Read: Warning Signs Of Cancer In Women: Doctor Shares Unusual Changes To Watch Out For

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is considered a crucial tool in prevention measures endorsed by the WHO. The importance of this vaccine increases as it is only effective in reducing the risk of cancer before getting infection. Experts believe that HPV Vaccine should be given before the onset of sexual activity in females and combined with routine screening and awareness for the results.

Though vaccines are available in private healthcare settings, its high cost makes it inaccessible for economically weaker sections. Free government initiatives can therefore prove life-saving for many. Apart from cervical cancer, HPV vaccine also protects against cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat, as well as genital warts.

Bottomline

Cervical Cancer has become severely common among women in India demanding the timely and crucial preventive measures. By implementing widespread vaccination programs, especially targeting young girls before exposure to HPV, states can drastically reduce cervical cancer cases and deaths, ultimately saving thousands of lives each year.