New Delhi: HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections are ubiquitous and are associated with the development of several cancers. Prolonged infection with high-risk HPV types, most notably HPV 16 and 18, is responsible for the majority of cervical cancers and also contributes considerably to cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and oropharynx. Safe and effective HPV vaccines, which mark a major milestone in public health, offer an opportunity to prevent cancer even before its onset.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Shabin K Sidhique, Specialist, Oncology, KIMSHEALTH, Thiruvananthapuram, spoke about the power of the HPV vaccine in long-term cancer prevention.
Burden of Cervical Cancer in India and Kerala
Within the female population of India, it is the second most common kind of cancer, and it is responsible for almost one-fifth of the overall cervical cancer burden worldwide. Annually, India reports approximately 1.24 lakh new cases, with over 77,000 women being prey to the disease every year. Despite having a high literacy rate and healthcare indicators, Kerala is not immune; cervical cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. These statistics highlight the urgent need to take steps to ensure HPV vaccination, combining it with regular screening.
HPV vaccine
HPV vaccines are made using virus-like particles (VLPs) and trigger a strong antibody response, and provide protection against HPV. Currently available vaccines are bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonvalent formulations. The nonavalent vaccine protects against nine HPV types. India has developed a cost-effective, quadrivalent vaccine named Cervavac.
The importance of vaccines for both girls and boys
Even though cervical cancer affects women, HPV infection is not specific to any gender. Men are the key carriers and transmitters of HPV and are themselves at a high risk of HPV-related cancers, such as penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as genital warts. By vaccinating boys, direct protection is provided to them and helps reduce the circulation of the virus in the community, which in turn provides indirect protection to women. Gender-neutral cancer prevention by HPV vaccination benefits individuals, families, and society as a whole.
Role of Early Immunisation
Early HPV vaccination, ideally between the ages of 9 and 14, or before the initiation of sexual activity, is most effective. The likelihood of previous HPV exposure is low at this point, and the immunological response to the vaccine is strong. Evidence from multiple population-level studies has shown almost complete protection against vaccine-covered HPV types when vaccinated before exposure. Thus, early vaccination is so important that it provides protection before exposure and plays a big role in lifelong cancer prevention.
Cervical Cancer Elimination
Global evidence shows that HPV vaccination reduces HPV infections, particularly when vaccination coverage is high. Recognizing this, the World Health Organization has set a goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem and aims to vaccinate 90% of girls against HPV by the age of 15. Public awareness, access to vaccines, and the integration of HPV vaccination into national and school-based immunization programs are very important in order to achieve this goal. Therefore, HPV vaccination offers a life free from preventable cancers.