Dr Imkongtemsu Longchar
State Immunization Officer (UIP), Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima
Cervical cancer is a serious health issue that affects women worldwide. Cervical cancer is the cancer of the lower end of the uterus, known as the cervix. It is primarily caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, following breast, lung, and colorectal cancers. In 2022, there were approximately 6.6 lakh new cases of cervical cancer and 3.5 lakh deaths due to cervical cancer worldwide. Unfortunately, the majority of these cases occur in developing countries where access to prevention and treatment is limited.
Without effective preventive measures, the number of new cases is expected to rise to around 8lakh annually by 2030.
In India, cervical cancer is the second leading cancer among women, after breast cancer. In 2022, India reported over 79,000 new cases and nearly 35,000 deaths due to cervical cancer. The incidence rate in India stands at 11.6 per 100,000 women-years, with a mortality rate of 5.1 per 100,000 women-years.
HPV is not only linked to cervical cancer but also to other cancers such as anal, oropharyngeal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. The virus spreads easily through intimate skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex and can be transmitted during both acute and persistent infections.
The fact is that cervical cancer is largely preventable, and vaccination plays a crucial role in this. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers, especially types 16 and 18, which are responsible for about 77% of cases globally and 83% in India.
The HPV vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus, preventing infection. Since its global introduction in 2006, over 500 million doses have been distributed worldwide, and the vaccine has proven to be safe and effective, with no serious safety issues, except rare reports of anaphylaxis.
The HPV vaccine was launched on February 28, 2026 in Nagaland along with the rest of India. With its subsequent roll out in all the districts of the State, the HPV vaccine is available free of cost at the Government Health Units for all eligible beneficiaries of girls in the 14 years age group. The HPV vaccine brand that is being used is Gardasil 4 (quadrivalent: 6,11,16,18), which is a single dose schedule given 0.5ml through intramuscular route at the left upper arm.
Cervical cancer remains a major health challenge, especially in developing countries. However, by increasing HPV vaccination coverage, along with regular screening and timely treatment, we can significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer and move closer to its elimination. Understanding what cervical cancer is, recognizing its impact globally and in India, and emphasizing the importance of HPV vaccination are key steps toward protecting women's health and saving lives.
