Cervical cancer in India continues to be one of the most significant health threats to women, despite being one of the few cancers that are preventable. It is the second most common cancer among Indian women aged 15 to 44 years, accounting for approximately 1.2 Lakh new cases and over 77,000 deaths each year. According to the UNICEF guide on HPV vaccination, India shoulders nearly one-fifth of the world’s cervical cancer deaths. This alarming burden, largely affecting women in their most productive years, makes it critical to talk about preventive strategies like the HPV vaccine.
Cervical cancer is caused almost entirely by a persistent infection with certain high risk types of the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is extremely common – most sexually active men and women will encounter it at some point. While the body clears most infections naturally, in some cases, the virus can linger and gradually cause abnormal changes in the cervix, leading to cancer. High risk strains such as HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for nearly 99% of cancer cases in India.
The safety profile of the HPV vaccine is well established. As per FOGSI recommendations, both indigenous and globally approved vaccines like Cervavac and Gardasil have been thoroughly studied for safety and effectiveness. WHO and India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) now endorse even a single dose of vaccine for the primary group, with two or three doses advised in special circumstances such as immunocompromised states. The vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, but it can be administered safely to lactating mothers.
Even though the vaccine is a game-changer, it doesn’t eliminate the need for screening. Since the vaccine do not protect against all cancer causing HPV types, regular cervical cancer screening through PAP smear or HPV DNA testing remains vital. Screening helps detect abnormal changes in the cervix before they turn cancerous, allowing for early treatment. In fact, screening is essential even in women who are vaccinated, especially from the age of 30 onwards.
Educating girls and their guardians about the benefits of the vaccine, dispelled myths and making access easier are crucial steps. The vaccine is not just a medical tool, it’s a promise of protection, a step towards equity in women’s health, and a safeguard for future generations.
If you are a mother, consider getting your daughter vaccinated. If you are over 18 years and unsure whether you’ve missed your window, talk to your gynaecologist- vaccination may still benefit you. And if you’re already vaccinated, don’t skip your screening. The goal isn’t just individual protection but collective health – a generation of Indian women free from the burden of cervical cancer.
The good news is that this disease can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. The HPV vaccine has been available globally for over a decade and has been administered to millions of young girls and boys in over 100 countries. It offers long lasting protection and has shown a remarkable reduction in HPV related infections, genital warts and pre-cancerous cervical lesions. Recognising this, India has taken a major public health step by including HPV vaccination in it’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), beginning with girls aged 9 to 14 years. This aligns with the WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, which recommends 90% of girls be fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15.
Despite these efforts, vaccine uptake in India remains extremely low. According to NFHS-5, fewer than 1% of eligible girls are vaccinated, and just about 2% of women have undergone screening. The FOGSI guide highlights key reasons for this: lack of awareness, misinformation about safety and fertility, social stigma, and vaccine hesitancy due to cultural discomfort. Many parents and even health care providers hesitate to talk about HPV because it is linked to sexual activity, even though the vaccine is most effective when given before exposure- ideally between 9 and 14 years of age.- By Dr Bibekananda Rath, Gyanacologist