By Dr. H.R. Sowmya Dinesh

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — yet it continues to take a heavy toll in India.

According to GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, India sees about 1,27,526 new cervical cancer cases and around 79,906 deaths each year, making it one of the leading cancers among Indian women. Behind these numbers are mothers, sisters and daughters whose lives could often have been saved through prevention.

What causes cervical cancer?

The main cause is persistent infection with “high-risk” Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact. Most HPV infections clear on their own, but if a high-risk type persists for years, it can cause changes in cervical cells that may progress to cancer. Presence of HIV infection, smoking (even passive) and multiple childbirths increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. Among HPV types, 16 and 18 are responsible for most of the cervical cancers worldwide.

How does the vaccine help?

The HPV vaccine prevents infection from the HPV types most likely to cause cancer. Countries with strong vaccination programmes have shown major drops in HPV infections and cancers. An additional benefit is, HPV vaccination also helps prevent other HPV-related cancers (including cancers of the throat, anus, penis, vulva and vagina) and, with some vaccines, genital warts — benefits that extend to men as well.

Who should take HPV vaccine and what is the right age?

• Girls: The vaccine works best before first sexual exposure, so the priority age group is 9-14 years.

• Boys: Boys should also be vaccinated — both to protect them from HPV-related cancers and to reduce transmission in the community.

• Catch-up vaccination: Many guidelines recommend catch-up vaccination through age 26 if not vaccinated earlier.

• Ages 27-45: Vaccination may still help some adults; decisions are usually individualized after discussion  with a clinician.

Dose schedules depend mainly on the age at which vaccination is started:

• Ages 9-14: 2 doses (commonly 0 and 6 months).

• Age 15 or more: 3 doses (commonly 0, 2 and 6 months).

Side effects: What to expect?

HPV vaccines have been studied extensively and have a strong safety record. The most common side effects are pain, redness or swelling at the injection site and sometimes fever, headache, nausea, dizziness, or fainting (especially in adolescents — so sitting and brief observation after vaccination is advised). Serious allergic reactions are very rare.

As awareness grows and access improves, public health experts believe India can significantly reduce — and eventually eliminate — cervical cancer as a public health threat. The tools to prevent this disease already exist. The challenge now lies in ensuring that every eligible child receives the protection they deserve.

Take-home messages

Cervical cancer is common in India — but highly preventable.

HPV causes most cervical cancers; the vaccine blocks the key high-risk virus types.

Vaccinate early (9-14 years) for best protection — girls and boys both benefit.

Even after vaccination, women should still undergo recommended cervical screening when age-appropriate, because the vaccine does not cover every cancer-causing HPV type.

Dr. Sowmya Dinesh, Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist, with over a decade of experience in medical profession, is the Founder-Director of Santasa IVF & Endosurgery Institutes in Hassan and Mysuru.