Cervical cancer deaths in women of reproductive age occur in low and middle-income countries. However, there are no national screening programmes to identify preinvasive cancers and nor are there universally accessible preinvasive treatment options. High-risk HPV infection causes cervical cancers and HPV Vaccination is now in the process of being a national programme in India. Countries must take several critical decisions about vaccine delivery including vaccination sites, timing and whether it can be integrated with other health or community services.
Cervical Cancer In India
In a promising advance in its fight against cervical cancer, India has recently launched its first locally produced version of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The quadrivalent Cervavac vaccine, which protects against the virus strains most likely to cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, among others, was developed jointly by the Serum Institute of India and the Indian Government and Department of Biotechnology. Marketing authorization was granted by the Drugs Controller General of India on July 12, 2022, for female and male individuals aged 9 26 years, with the vaccine officially launched on Sept 1. Cervavac costs 200 400 rupees ( 5) per dose, making it much more affordable than existing licensed HPV vaccines.
Why Vaccination Is Important
The new vaccine will be funded by the Indian Government and distributed via state-run services, with enough doses initially produced to vaccinate nearly 50 million girls aged 9 14 years, As the largest of the Commonwealth nations, India is a key member of this group who has pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
However, with this gigantic leap, we must keep in mind the challenges of vaccinations through national programmes. Lack of awareness among parents and children, targeting schools and teachers, and logistic obstacles in remote peripheral areas are some of the barriers which will need huge execution strategies at the state and national levels.
HPV vaccines are nearly 100% effective in preventing cervical cancers caused by highest HPV viruses. These vaccines also provide protection against vulvar and vaginal cancers.
Meanwhile, India's first indigenously developed vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, CERVAVAC, is all set to be available later this year, costing between ₹200-400 a shot. CERVAVAC will be effective against at least four variants of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). While the vaccines must be given to both young boys and girls, chances of getting this cancer are more among women.
HOW MANY WOMEN IN INDIA SUFFERING FROM OR PRONE TO CERVICAL CANCER
"According to latest statistics, every year in India about 1,20,000 women are diagnosed with Cervical cancer and about 67,000 women die from the disease every year. India has a population of about 400 billion women, aged 15 years and older who are at a risk of cervical cancer," says Dr Nivedita Kaul, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER
Dr Nivedita Kaul on tips to prevent cervical cancer:
- Regular screening by Papanicolaou (PAP) Test: This is a test where in a doctor performs an internal examination and uses a special tool to scrap or brush the cervix to remove the cells from the cervix for testing. If these cells from the cervix show pre-cancer stage. The pre-cancer stage can be treated before it progresses to Cervical cancer. It is recommended that every woman who is sexually active should have a test in every 3 years.
Getting vaccination for cervical cancer: Cervical cancer vaccines protect against infection with human papillomavirus types which most commonly leads to cancer. These vaccines can only work to prevent HPV infection. They cannot treat an HPV infection on the cervix which is already present. That is why cervical cancer vaccines should be given before a woman is exposed to HPV or before the onset of sexual activity. It is also important to know that no vaccine can provide complete protection against all cancer causing HPV virus. So even after vaccination, routine PAP Test Is important.
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