Bengaluru: SII launches HPV-cancer awareness campaign
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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Vaccinations to prevent cervical cancer have plummeted in Britain
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) is an unwelcome consequence of a joyful pursuit. Skin-to-skin contact during sex allows the virus to spread, which can lead to genital warts and cancers of the reproductive system. In Britain HPV causes about 3,500 cases of cervical cancer each year and 900 deaths. A vaccination programme that inoculates against the virus—once a runaway success—is floundering. The HPV vaccine is given to children aged between 12 and 15 before they are typically sexually active. Take-up in girls was around 90% in the years up to 2017. Today the rate foryear-ninegirls is 74%, on a par with Sierra Leone. In boys, who have been offered the jab for five years, it has fallen by nine percentage points to 69%. In some areas, such as Luton and Leicester, less than half of children are vaccinated. Chart Vaccination rates have fallen in all of Britain's child-immunisation programmes, but the drop is sharpest for HPV. The evidence of the vaccine's efficacy is unequivocal: a study from Scotland in 2024 found no cases of cancer-causing HPV virus among women who received it a decade earlier. The National Health Service (NHS) wants to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, but says it needs to achieve a 90% vaccination rate by 2030. To do so means tackling the three Cs of vaccine hesitancy: confidence, convenience and complacency. Confidence in vaccines was dented during the coronavirus pandemic. Surveys conducted by the Vaccine Confidence Project (VCP), a research outfit, find that the share of respondents who agreed that vaccines are 'safe' and 'important for children' declined sharply during the pandemic in many countries, but the drop was especially pronounced in Britain. New survey data from the VCP on vaccine attitudes in Britain, shared exclusively with The Economist, show that confidence in vaccines in general has since improved. Among a representative sample of adults, 85% agree that 'in general, vaccines are safe', 15 percentage points up on 2023. But when asked specifically about the safety of the HPV vaccine, that figure drops to 74%. Blame disinformation. Anti-vax parents allege that it causes ovarian failure and other issues. In 2019 Robert F. Kennedy junior, now America's health secretary, called it 'the most dangerous vaccine ever invented'. Numerous studies have found that its adverse effects are similar to, and no more frequent than, other common vaccines. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says that the rates of ovarian failure and other illnesses are no greater than would occur naturally in adolescent girls. Are today's schoolchildren affected by anti-vax views? Surveys of teenagers show that they know where to seek information they trust about vaccines: from their parents. Worryingly, the latest VCP survey shows that middle-aged people (ie, the parents of teenagers) are the least likely to say the HPV vaccine is safe. The HPV vaccine is administered in schools, but parents must sign a form to consent to their child being inoculated. The UKHSA says that many go unsigned, not because a parent actively objects but because of a lack of convenience. It wants to tackle this by allowing children to self-consent if the nurse giving the vaccine believes that they are mature enough—though only one in five teenagers say they alone should decide whether to get vaccinated, rising to one in three by age 16. Some parents worry that vaccination might affect their child's behaviour. Dr Tehseen Khan, a GP in the London borough of Hackney, says Orthodox Jews he works with believe the vaccine is unnecessary because their children will have only one life-long partner. Although there is no evidence that having the vaccine changes sexual behaviour, some parents fear that it promotes promiscuity. In Scotland, which (unlike England) publishes data by ethnicity, Pakistani and Polish children have the lowest HPV vaccination rates; white British and Chinese the highest. Complacency may also lead children and parents to wonder why the vaccine is necessary. Helen Bedford of University College London says parents often ask: 'Why do I need to get my child who is not yet sexually active vaccinated against something which may or may not happen to them in 20 or 30 years time?' Vaccination programmes are often victims of their own success, making cervical cancer less common and parents less worried about it. The NHS recently launched a catch-up campaign, targeting some 400,000 women aged under 25 who did not get inoculated in school. Whether they will get a jab may not be down to the facts. Margaret Stanley at the University of Cambridge, whose research helped develop the HPV vaccine, says at this stage you should 'forget the science, it's all about the marketing.' For more expert analysis of the biggest stories inBritain,sign upto Blighty, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.
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First Post
2 days ago
- First Post
Are ‘zombie rabbits' with black horns invading the US?
Wild rabbits in South Dakota and Colorado have developed horn-like growths and mouth tentacles. These bunnies, now being called 'Frankenstein's rabbits' online, are infected with a virus called Shope papillomavirus (SPV), a relative of human papillomavirus (HPV). Are they a threat to humans and other animals? Fortunately, the rabbits in America's Midwest haven't turned into zombies. The strange-looking growths spotted on them are caused by Shope papillomavirus, also called cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV). Image courtesy: X Wild rabbits in the US states of South Dakota and Colorado have been turning heads, and not in a cute, cuddly way. Some have been spotted with strange horn or tentacle-like growths sprouting from their heads, leaving residents unsettled and social media buzzing. Photos of these so-called 'zombie bunnies' have gone viral on social media, with many expressing shock and making theories. 'It's like a Resident Evil version of a rabbit, but in real life,' one person remarked. Another wrote, 'This is how the zombie virus starts.' Over on YouTube, a shocked commenter posted, 'We've got freaking zombie rabbits now?!' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the sight might seem like a scene from a horror movie, experts say there's a real virus behind these eerie growths, and it's spreading fast among the local rabbit population. The unsettling question for many is whether this disease could affect humans or even pets. Here's what's actually going on. What is the SPV virus? Fortunately, the rabbits in America's Midwest haven't turned into zombies. The strange-looking growths spotted on them are caused by Shope papillomavirus, also called cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV). Cottontail Rabbit. Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons The virus was first identified in the 1930s by researcher Richard Shope, who noticed wild cottontail rabbits developing odd growths on their heads and faces. These protrusions, often described as 'horns' or 'tentacles,' are actually tumours. SPV is a DNA virus related to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause warts or, in some cases, certain cancers in humans. In recent weeks, people in Fort Collins have been calling wildlife officials after spotting rabbits with these unusual growths. But such cases aren't rare, says Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for the wildlife agency, telling Sky News that they've been around for a while. The SPV virus causes rapid skin cell growth, leading to the formation of wart-like tumours to form on an infected rabbit's head, face, and around its mouth. Image courtesy: Iowa Department of Natural Resources According to the University of Missouri, the disease is most common in the US Midwest and tends to be more visible during summer. This is when fleas and mosquitoes, the main carriers of the virus, are at their peak. Once inside, the virus causes rapid skin cell growth, leading to the formation of wart-like tumours to form on an infected rabbit's head, face, and around its mouth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Can the SPV virus infect humans and pets? Despite their unsettling appearance, experts say these infected rabbits don't pose a threat to people or their pets. Colorado Parks & Wildlife explains that the Shope virus is not contagious to humans, dogs, or cats. The virus is species-specific, meaning it only affects rabbits and cannot jump to humans, dogs, cats, or most other animals. That said, domestic rabbits tend to get hit harder than wild ones. In pet bunnies, the growths can sometimes turn into squamous cell carcinoma, a dangerous skin cancer. 🧟 A new nightmare unlocked! 🧟♂️ I just read about this freaky animal fact and thought I'd share, so I'm not the only one having nightmares about rabbit zombies! 🤭 🐇 Rabbits with what look like creepy tentacles sprouting from their heads and mouths. Disturbing, a little sad,… — Ash 🇦🇺 (@TheInspectorAsh) August 12, 2025 That said, wildlife and public health officials still advise against touching or handling visibly sick or infected wild animals. While the Shope virus itself isn't dangerous to people or pets, it's always safest to keep your distance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What about the infected bunnies? The Shope papillomavirus doesn't usually kill rabbits outright, but it can still put their lives at risk in other ways. Big growths near the eyes can block vision, making it harder to spot predators. Tumours around the mouth or nose can make eating and breathing difficult, leading to starvation or breathing problems. Infected rabbits also tend to slow down, making them easy targets for predators. Some rabbits manage to fight off the infection, with the growths shrinking or disappearing over time. Others aren't so lucky, suffering from worsening tumours that never heal. In domestic rabbits, vets can surgically remove the growths before they turn cancerous, but there's no known cure for the virus. With input from agencies
NDTV
4 days ago
- NDTV
Cervical Cancer: Risk Factors & Lifestyle Changes You Can Make Today
Cervical cancer begins in the cervix. The cervix is a narrow opening where the baby grows inside the uterus in a woman's body. It occurs when the cells present in your cervix turn cancerous. HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is the cause behind almost all cervical cancer cases. HPV spreads through sexual contact and getting regular check ups such as Pap smear can help in early detection. You can also receive an HPV vaccine to further lower your risk. Focusing on cervical cancer and its prevention is imperial since it is the 3rd most common cancer in India, with a rate of 18.3% (123,907 cases). It is the also the second leading cause behind death with its mortality rate lying at 9.1% as per GLOBOCAN. Cervical cancer accounts for about 6-29% of all cancers in India in women. This makes it crucial to research upon this cancer, understand your risk factors and understand what lifestyle changes you can make today to reduce your risk. Keep reading as we share a list of risk factors and also share lifestyle changes you can make today to reduce your risk of cervical cancer. What are common risk factors of cervical cancer? There are two types of risk factors, factors you can change such as lifestyle changes or factors that are inherit and can't be changed such as your age, family history, etc. Let's understand these factors: 1. Weak immunity Like many other conditions, poor immunity can jeopardise your health and increase your risk of cervical cancer. You have created changes of developing cervical cancer if you can a weakened immune system or if you have HPV. 2. Smoking Smoking tobacco greatly increases your risk of various kinds of cancers including cervical cancer. If you are a smoker and have contracted HPV, it is more likely to last longer and less likely it will go away similar to other infections. 3. Multiple sexual partners Since the leading cause behind cervical cancer is HPV, you are directly at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer if you have a higher number of sexual partners. It occurs as you are more exposed to contracting this virus in the first place. Also read: 4. Other sexually transmitted diseases Other sexually transmitted diseases such as STIs can further increase your risk of HPV which as discussed can lead to cervical cancer. Some common STIs that can increase your risk include herpes, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV/AIDS. 5. Lower socioeconomic background The first step to prevention is education. Women that belong to a lower strata socioeconomically are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer via HPV or other factors. Since they often lack proper education, have non-availability of proper medication and treatment, or affordable healthcare, they might be at a higher risk. 6. Pregnancy Women who have gone through 3 or more full term pregnancies are at a higher risk of contracting cervical cancer. Women who get pregnant before the age of 20 might also be at a higher risk as compared to women over the age of 25. 7. Early onset of menstrual cycle Women that start their menstrual cycle way before expected (also also menarche) are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. This occurs due to the early production of oestrogen in the body which is found to be a contributing factor in increasing risk of cervical cancer. 8. Long-term use of oral birth control Oral contraceptives such as birth control pills might increase your risk of cervical cancer if taken over a long period of time. This factor is supported by some research and stopping the consumption of PCs might reduce your risk in the future. You are encouraged to discuss all risks and side effects of OCs with your doctor to understand whether your needs outweigh the potential risks. Now that you understand factors that might put you at risk, lets' understand what lifestyle changes can help you reduce your risk of cervical cancer. Lifestyle changes you can adopt today to reduce risk of cervical cancer Get pap smears, HPV test and any other tests you can get to ensure early detection. You are advised to get pap smear test every 2-3 years and a HPV test every 5 years after the age of 25. Get vaccinated against the HPV. HPV vaccination is crucial for cervical prevention. Since HPV is an STI and a leading cause of CC, you are encouraged to practice safe sex. Keep an eye for early signs or symptoms of cervical cancer to ensure early treatment. Stop smoking today to reduce your risk of cervical cancer along with other cancers. Exercising regularly reduces risk of CC as it strengthens the immunity and maintains hormonal balance. Follow these lifestyle changes today to ensure better health and to reduce your risk of cervical cancer. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
