<p>Cervical cancer claims the life of<a href="https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/everything-you-need-know-about-hpv-vaccine?gclid=CjwKCAiAqY6tBhAtEiwAHeRope1URe10wCULAz7MwK8PNwGpdHZi7xD6wDiRlxhbJd6HfPgYmC4RghoC4SwQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> one woman every two minutes</a>. HPV is one of the most common causes of cervical cancer. If you’ve been reading the news in India lately, you’ve probably stumbled upon a similar fact or two. Now, if you’re confused about what HPV is or what the meaning of human papillomavirus is, then this quick guide is a great place to get updated. </p>

<h2>What is HPV, and what happens when you get infected?</h2><p>HPV stands for human papillomavirus, which is an STI. It is worth noting that HPV is among the most commonly spread STIs globally. HPV comes in over 100 different types, including strains that can cause warts on your hand, face and feet. Of these 100 types, only about 30 affect the genitals, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis and scrotum, as well as the rectum and anus.​​ An important piece of information to keep in mind is that <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11901-hpv-human-papilloma-virus" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">all warts are HPV</a>, but not all forms of HPV manifest as warts. In fact, the type of HPV that can progress towards cancer doesn’t cause warts.</p>

<h2>Human papillomavirus and cancer</h2><p>In about 90 per cent of these cases, the body clears out the HPV infection; in some, however, HPV can lead to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the<a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer?gclid=CjwKCAiAqY6tBhAtEiwAHeRopb7Pc0503vabD20KkeEiuNN--UL3o_LeyOcap4rHTxh2brk-ige6cRoCEcwQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> fourth most common cancer in women</a>, globally. 2020 displayed 604,000 new cases of cervical cancer with about 342,000 deaths. 90 per cent of these deaths have taken place in low and middle-income countries. <strong>H</strong>owever, with vaccination, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/index.html#:~:text=HPV%20vaccination%20works%20extremely%20well,81%25%20among%20young%20adult%20women." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">studies show</a> HPV can be prevented. Regular screenings with your OB-GYN are also essential.</p>

<h2>HPV prevention initiative in India for girls</h2><p>Cervical cancer is the <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/health-ministry-yet-to-take-a-call-on-beginning-hpv-vaccination-campaign-for-adolescent-girls/article67737659.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">second most prevalent cancer in Indian women</a>. As per the union government’s data, India contributes the largest proportion to the global cervical cancer burden. As a nationwide preventative measure, the government is set to launch a campaign, starting in the second quarter of this year, to provide free HPV vaccines to girls aged nine to fourteen.<br /><br />The <a href="https://terrance.who.int/mediacentre/data/sage/SAGE_Docs_Ppt_Oct2019/5_session_HPV_vaccine/Oct2019_session5_SAGE_WG_HPVvaccines.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation</a> (SAGE) has maintained that the HPV vaccine is highly effective for the prevention of HPV serotypes 16 and 18, which cause 70 per cent of cervical cancer. <br /><br />The vaccination will be provided through health facilities, and for out-of-school girls, the campaign will be conducted through outreach programs and mobile teams of healthcare providers.<br /><br />Moreover, <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/in-depth/hpv-vaccine/art-20047292#:~:text=What%20does%20the%20HPV%20vaccine,neck%20cancers%20caused%20by%20HPV%20." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the vaccine</a> doesn’t just protect against cervical cancer but shields against related malignancies and genital warts. </p>

<h2>Remember, HPV goes beyond cervical cancer</h2><p>While the prevention initiative taken up by the Indian government only targets girls aged nine to fourteen, the vaccine can be taken by anyone, <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hpv-vaccine-age" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">man or woman aged nine to forty-five. <br /></a>Something to keep in mind is that HPV is a large family of viruses and does not only affect women. <a href="https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/everything-you-need-know-about-hpv-vaccine?gclid=CjwKCAiAqY6tBhAtEiwAHeRope1URe10wCULAz7MwK8PNwGpdHZi7xD6wDiRlxhbJd6HfPgYmC4RghoC4SwQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">4 in 5 men and women have had an HPV infection </a>at least once in their lifetime. Remember to always speak with your doctor and learn more about the HPV vaccine before getting immunised.</p>

WHO: Cervical cancer

Cleveland Clinic: HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

The Hindu: Health Ministry yet to take a call on beginning HPV vaccination campaign for adolescent girls 

Vaccines Work: Everything you need to know about the HPV vaccine

Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization

Cleveland Clinic: Why Adults (Up to Age 45) Should Consider Getting the HPV Vaccine

The George Institute for Global Health: Cervical cancer in India: challenges and opportunities

HPV is not just cancer

Discover the importance of the HPV vaccine and India’s preventative measures against cervical cancer on the Fluent Health blog.

HPV is not just Cancer

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