Budget 2024: How Cervical Cancer Vaccination Can Be A Lifesaver Indian Women

Presenting the Union Budget on Thursday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government will encourage vaccination for girls in the 9-14 year age group for the prevention of cervical cancer.

"Our government will encourage vaccination for girls from the age group of 9 to 14 years for prevention of cervical cancer. Various schemes for maternal child care will be brought under one comprehensive programme for synergy in implementation, upgrades of anganwadi centres under saksham anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 will be expedited for improved nutrition delivery, early childhood care, and development," she said while presenting the interim budget 2024 in the Lok Sabha.

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Govt to focus on vaccination against cervical cancer: @nsitharaman

FM on February 1 announced the government¡¯s plans to focus on vaccination against cervical cancer for girls aged 9 to 14 as part of her Interim Budget 2024. pic.twitter.com/gW7ousRoxV

¡ª SansadTV (@sansad_tv) February 1, 2024

What is cervical cancer

Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The majority of cervical cancer is caused by a number of different Human papillomavirus (HPV) strains.

Cervical cancer typically develops over a period of several years and is classified into two main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

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Cervical cancer in India

A recent Lancet study showed that India had the most cases of cervical cancer in Asia, and accounts for 23% of all deaths from it.

Cervical cancer is preventable by administering HPV vaccines.

How Cervical cancer be prevented

The vaccines are usually given to girls and women between the ages of nine and 26 and are administered in a series of two or three doses depending on the age. Although they cannot treat pre-existing HPV infections, they must be administered before sexual activity.

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India's first HPV vaccine

In 2023, the first made-in-India HPV vaccine was made available in the market.

The vaccine, Cervavac was developed and manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII).

Two doses of Cervavac, India¡¯s first quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine cost ?4,000 (?2,000 for a single dose).

According to Dr. Priya SP Patil, Consultant obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Altius Hospital, Bengaluru, the high number of cervical cancer cases and deaths in India is due to a lack of access to vaccination, screening methods, and treatment services.

"HPV vaccine combined with screening methods is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer. The vaccines available in the market are quite expensive and are out of reach to all," Dr. Patil said.

Two types of HPV vaccines are available - Quadravalent ( 4 strains) and Nonovalent ( 9 strains). Along with cervical cancer, these vaccines also prevent genital warts, oropharyngeal, and penile cancers.

"Social and economic constraints shouldn¡¯t deprive women of this essential vaccine which is life-saving. I am very happy to know about the changes the government is bringing about. As per the recent budget, making the HPV vaccine available to all will make meet ends and help achieve the set target and accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer," she said.

"If we achieve 90% of girls fully vaccinated by the year 2030, India will be setting an example to the entire world. This also gains media traction which helps create awareness. The challenges of vaccination in rural areas can be overcome making vaccines available in PHC ( Primary Health Centre)," Dr. Patil said.

"This is a commendable decision adopted by the finance ministry in the budget for 2024¨C2025. Cervical cancer happens to be one of the most common cancers in India. It used to be the most common cancer among women, but in urban areas, it has been replaced by breast cancer. However, it still ranks among the top 5 leading cancers with a very high incidence in rural populations," Dr. Niti Raizada, Senior Director of Medical Oncology and Hemato Oncology, at Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru said.

HPV is also responsible for vulval, vaginal, anal cancer, and even head and neck cancer. Thus, one vaccine can address a spectrum of cancers, especially pelvic cancer, not only in women but also in men.

"The best results occur when the vaccine is administered early, before exposure to HPV. The optimal stage for administration is between 9 to 14 years old, requiring just 2 doses of the vaccine for remarkable results. It seems to be an extremely effective vaccine for younger women and young boys to prevent this important cancer, which can occur later in life," Dr. Raizada said.

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