Healthonlyforyou interviewed FOGSI doctors to grasp the significance of the HPV vaccine in the prevention of cervical cancer.
In an exclusive discussion with OnlyMyHealth, representatives from the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) shed light on the prevalence of cervical cancer in India and delved into the role of the HPV vaccine in mitigating the risk of the disease.
Cervical cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix leading to tumor formation, is predominantly linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Dr. Priya Ganesh Kumar, Chairperson of the Gynaecologic Oncology Committee at FOGSI, indicates that HPV currently affects 4 out of 5 individuals in India.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), HPV comprises over 200 viruses that can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual activity. Cancer stemming from HPV infection is prevalent among nearly all sexually active individuals, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or sex.
Prevention holds the utmost importance
Dr. Hrishikesh D. Pai, President of FOGSI, stresses the significance of prevention in combating cancer. He believes that receiving a cancer diagnosis marks a battle already lost, underscoring the importance of focusing on prevention and raising awareness about vaccinations to mitigate risks.
Dr. Pai suggests integrating healthcare education into the schooling system to empower children with knowledge about common health issues like HPV infection. By educating children from a young age, they can advocate for preventive measures such as vaccines themselves.
Moreover, Dr. Pai highlights the need for parental awareness, as only then can they take measures to safeguard themselves and their children.
Echoing Dr. Pai’s sentiments, Dr. Reshma Dhillon Pai, Former President of FOGSI, emphasizes that cervical cancer, uniquely, has a known cause: HPV, a simple virus that can be prevented. She stresses the importance of spreading awareness and promoting vaccination to prevent this particular cancer.
The significance of the HPV vaccine
In India, a significant portion of women aged 15 and above face the risk of developing cervical cancer, primarily due to HPV infection.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the HPV vaccine holds the potential to prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
HPV vaccination is most effective when administered to girls and boys aged 9 to 14. Nevertheless, sexually active individuals under 40-45 years old and those already exposed to certain HPV strains can still benefit from the vaccine, offering protection against cervical cancer, as highlighted by Dr. Reshma Pai.
Furthermore, Dr. Kumar emphasizes that the HPV vaccine can also reduce the risk of other cancer types, such as anal, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers.
The primary issues hindering vaccination are a lack of knowledge and accessibility, rather than vaccine hesitancy
Dr. Reshma Pai points out that vaccine hesitancy is notably low in India, considering the routine vaccination of children against various illnesses during their childhood. However, she attributes the low rates of HPV vaccination to a lack of knowledge and accessibility.
Dr. Madhuri Patel, Secretary General of FOGSI, raises concerns about parental hesitancy regarding HPV vaccination for children, primarily due to its association with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many parents question the appropriateness of giving such a vaccine to their children.
It’s crucial to understand that HPV vaccination should not solely be linked to sexual activities; rather, the focus should be on preventing future infections and lowering the risk of cancer, as emphasized by the doctors.
To address these issues and raise awareness about the importance of the HPV vaccine in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in India, FOGSI, in partnership with MSD, will train 15,000 doctors