India’s fight against the menace of Cancer got a big boost today, with the Indian government announcing encouragement for Cervical Cancer Vaccination for girls between the age group of 9 to 14.
The big push for cancer prevention strategy was announced in the interim budget by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman. While presenting the interim budget for 2024-25, the finance minister said, “Our government will encourage the cervical cancer vaccination for girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years, for prevention of cervical cancer.”
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among females in India. In 2022, more than 79,000 cases were diagnosed. Globally, it is the fourth most common cancer in women, with more than 600,000 cases reported worldwide in 2020.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection is the cause of Cervical cancer.
GOI’s efforts to boost cervical cancer vaccination
In 2022, India’s National Technical Advisory Group for Immunisation (NTGI) recommended the introduction of the HPV vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) with a one-time catch-up for 9 to 14-year-old adolescent girls followed by a routine introduction at 9 years. Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1885597
On February 1, India’s Finance Minister said, “Our government will encourage the cervical cancer vaccination for girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years, for prevention of cervical cancer.”
Despite the announcement, the government has not given a clear roadmap for the vaccination rollout. It remains uncertain whether it will be included in the national immunisation drive.
According to the press release issued by the PIB in 2022, the vaccination would be provided primarily through schools (Grade-based approach 5th-10). In order to reach those girls who are unable to attend school on the campaign day, the vaccination would be provided at a health facility while for out-of-school girls the campaign would be conducted through community outreach and mobile teams.
India’s push for cancer prevention has been hailed as a positive step. WHO’s former Chief Scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, wrote on the social media platform X, “Excellent news about HPV vaccine rollout to all girls in the country. We can eliminate cervical cancer by vaccination plus screening, early diagnosis and treatment.” https://x.com/doctorsoumya/status/1752998227035725872?s=46
While the CEO of Serum Institutes of India Adar Poonawalla opined on the social media platform X saying, “I applaud the Indian government’s announcement to vaccinate girls aged 9-14 against cervical cancer. Let’s pledge to prevent HPV and ensure east access to vaccination.” https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1752966223665700893?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet]
Sanjiv Navangul, Managing Director & CEO, of Bharat Serums and Vaccines said, “HPV vaccination for girls in the 9-14 age group for the prevention of cervical cancer immunisation of children, and schemes such as Poshan 2.0 will help improve nutrition delivery, early childhood care, and development.”
India’s Burden of Cervical Cancer
In a jointly written letter to the states in 2022 with the education secretary, former Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, “India contributes the largest proportion of global cervical cancer burden.”
According to India’s Health Ministry stats,
Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Estimated Incidence 71,415 73,289 75,209 77,130 79,103
of Cervical Cancer
Cases
Source: https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/1711/AU2919.pdf?source=pqals
Causes of cervical cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection is the main cause of cervical cancer.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms. In most cases, the immune system clears HPV from the body. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop, which go on to become cancer.
Health experts say, there are three main causes of cervical cancer,
Infection of Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Genetical reason
lack of vaginal hygiene
According to the National Cancer Institute, there are 12 types of strains of HPV. Two of these, HPV 16 and HPV 18, are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
- Unusual bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after sexual intercourse
- Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Persistent pain in the back, legs, or pelvis
- Weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite
- Vaginal discomfort
- Swelling in the legs.
Source: WHO
HPV vaccination and prevention
Health experts say, there are 6 HPV available globally. All protect against the high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers. These vaccines are safe and effective in preventing HPV infection and cervical cancer.
According to the CDC, the HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90% of HPV-attributable cancers.
Gynecologist and Prof. Dr Rajashree Katke, from Maharashtra’s JJ Medical College, explained how to diagnose cervical cancer. While speaking to BBC Marathi https://www.bbc.com/marathi/india-59175662 she said, “Pap-smear test plays a pivotal role in cervical cancer diagnosis. Women should undertake this test once a year.”
Mayank Bhagwat 