Kerala to give HPV vaccines to Class 11, 12 students to prevent cervical cancer
The vaccination drive is part of a broader cancer prevention strategy in the state. Kerala has already formed a cancer care grid to coordinate diagnosis and treatment services. In addition, the state recently launched the campaign 'Arogyam Anandam Akattam Arbudam', through which over 17 lakh people have been screened so far.The Health Department aims to build awareness and ensure wide participation in the vaccination drive, taking another step towards eliminating cervical cancer in Kerala.- Ends
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Not just smokers: Doctors flag new risk factors for throat cancer in India
An increasing number of throat cancer cases are being diagnosed among non-smokers in India, particularly men under 60. Experts link this rise to HPV infections, lifestyle changes and environmental exposures. Read here read more Throat cancer, once predominantly associated with tobacco and smoking is increasingly affecting non-smokers in India, particularly men under the age of 60. Medical experts are now sounding the alarm over a dramatic epidemiological shift, citing the human papillomavirus (HPV) as a key driver of this growing trend. 'Traditionally, oropharyngeal cancers in India were largely seen in smokers and tobacco chewers. But now, a growing number of patients, especially men in their 50s—are being diagnosed without any history of smoking,' said Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director of Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dr Malhotra highlighted that areas most commonly affected include the tonsils, base of the tongue, posterior pharyngeal wall and tissues above the voice box. HPV i****nfection the d****riving f****orce The primary factor behind this shift, he said, is the rising incidence of HPV infections which are closely linked to changes in sexual behaviour. 'Increased prevalence of oral sex compared to previous generations has led to higher exposure to HPV, a known carcinogen for the oropharynx,' Dr Malhotra said. A 2023 study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia supports this, reporting that HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers are on the rise in India, echoing trends observed in Western countries over the past two decades. Other contributing factors include excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, a diet low in antioxidants, vegetables and environmental exposure to petrochemicals, wood dust and industrial pollution. Distinct b****iology and b****etter p****rognosis HPV-related throat cancers are biologically different from those caused by tobacco, says Dr. Malhotra. 'They tend to respond much better to chemotherapy and have a higher cure rate, even though they can present at more advanced stages with larger neck nodes. In contrast, cancers linked to smoking and alcohol are often more aggressive and harder to treat.' A 2023 meta-analysis published in JAMA Oncology found that five-year survival rates for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer were above 80%, significantly better than the 50-60% rates seen in HPV-negative cases. Breakthroughs in treatment: TORS and bio-Selection Treatment advancements such as Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) have revolutionised outcomes, particularly for early-stage patients. 'TORS is minimally invasive, leaves no external scars or bone cuts, and enables faster recovery,' he added. For advanced cases, oncologists are now adopting a 'bio-selection' approach. Patients first receive 2–3 cycles of chemotherapy to assess tumour shrinkage. If the tumour reduces by 50–80%, less invasive options like TORS or radiation can be pursued. If not, a radical surgery followed by radiation becomes necessary. 'This strategy allows us to personalise treatment based on tumour biology rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, ultimately reducing complications and improving survival outcomes,' said Dr Malhotra. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India sees over 1.3 lakh new cases of head and neck cancers annually, with oropharyngeal cancer forming a significant portion. Globally, WHO estimates that HPV is responsible for up to 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in developed countries, a number now reflecting similar patterns in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the medical community adapts to these evolving patterns, awareness and early detection remain key. 'Vaccination against HPV, improved oral hygiene and safe sexual practices are preventive strategies that must be prioritised,' Dr Malhotra said.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Minister: HPV vaccination for Plus 1 & 2 students soon
T'puram: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for Plus One and Plus Two students will be initiated in the state to prevent cervical cancer, said health minister Veena George on Monday. A technical committee will meet within a week for a final decision on the vaccine. "Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. HPV vaccine is most effective for ages 9 to 14 years, but it can be administered up to the age of 26 years. Cervical cancer is preventable through vaccination and the state made this significant decision based on chief minister's directive," said a statement issued by the minister. The state is undertaking significant efforts to achieve a cervical cancer-free Kerala, she said. "An awareness campaign about HPV vaccination will also be organised. Awareness messages will be prepared according to the technical committee's guidelines. Special awareness will be provided at the school level as the students are in Plus One and Plus Two. Parents will also be informed of the need for administering the vaccination to their children," she added. Health department is conducting robust activities for cancer prevention, said George. "A cancer care grid has been established to coordinate diagnosis and treatment. As part of cancer prevention, a public campaign titled 'Health is Happiness, Keep Cancer Away' was launched. Over 1.7 million people were screened," she said, adding that the campaign would be further strengthened.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Move on HPV vaccine rollout to adolescent girls raises other vaccination priorities for Kerala: epidemiologists
Kerala's decision to introduce HPV vaccination targeting adolescent girls, to protect them from cervical cancer is generally hailed as a positive public health measure. However, health experts have pointed out that the State has other pressing public health concerns, where also vaccination strategies must be prioritised. Going by the current data from the population-based and hospital-based cancer registries in Kerala, the incidence of cervical cancer has been on a steady decline in the State over the past several years and it no longer figures among the top five cancers affecting women in Kerala, according to epidemiologists. This is consistent with improvements in women's health and hygiene, better sexual practices, education and healthcare access in Kerala. Even though the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended HPV vaccination for adolescent girls, in Kerala cervical cancer incidence is only eight per lakh population, even when at the national level, cervical cancer remained the second highest of all cancers reported amongst women as in 2022. 'Only if there is an uptick' The committee headed by Dr. B. Ekbal, which submitted the State's Vaccine Policy recommendations in November 2022, had noted that HPV vaccination should be considered in Kerala only if there is an increasing trend in the incidence of cervical cancer from the current baseline. It said that given the fact that the cost of vaccinating 13 lakh adolescent girls would be over ₹200 crore, HPV vaccination was not indicated, nor was it cost effective. Dr. Ekbal says that this picture has changed given that Serum Institute of India is now producing HPV vaccines at much competitive rates. While HPV vaccine manufactured by pharma majors are available in the range of ₹2,000-₹4,000/dose (there is also the HPV vaccine which protects against nine strains of HPV, costing around ₹10,850/dose), Cervavac produced by Serum Institute of India is available at ₹2,000/dose. 'HPV vaccine cost has come down and as far as dosage is concerned, there is some emerging evidence, (as per the WHO), that even a single dose delivers solid protection against HPV. That changes the picture completely. From a gender perspective, I am happy about the State's decision to protect adolescent girls against HPV,' Dr. Ekbal said. Current public health concerns However, the State should not forget its current public health concerns, which included protecting children from rabies through anti-rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis vaccine and from mumps, through an additional dose of MMR vaccine, he said. Rabies is emerging as a serious public health issue in the State, with children being a major casualty, he reminded. 'The mortality and morbidity due to influenza and pneumococcal infections is high in the elderly, the immunocompromised and those with co-morbidities. The State should prioritise annual flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine to protect elderly against pneumonia and meningitis,' Dr. Ekbal pointed out. He said that the Health department should recommend these vaccines so that there is more uptake for the same, which can bring down the cost of vaccines. Time to push for elimination 'Introducing HPV for adolescent girls is a policy decision that the Government had taken much earlier. Questions whether HPV vaccination is a priority now can be controversial. It is true that cervical cancer incidence is going down steadily and thus this would be the right time to push through elimination strategies. HPV vaccination is being introduced as part of the State's efforts to eliminate cervical cancer and the operational details are being worked out,' PK Jameela, member, State Planning Board, said.
