Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 23: While breast cancer often dominates headlines, cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide — and it’s largely preventable. In 2022 alone, around 660,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 350,000 lost their lives, mostly in low- and middle-income countries where access to vaccination, screening, and treatment is limited.

The main cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a group of over 200 related viruses. Only a few high-risk types, particularly HPV 16 and 18, are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. HPV infections are extremely common, often symptomless, but persistent infection can cause changes in cervical cells that may eventually become cancerous.

Traditionally, HPV vaccination focused on girls, since cervical cancer is a direct threat to them. Vaccines such as Gardasil and Cervarix are most effective when administered before sexual activity, usually between ages 9 and 14. According to the CDC, these vaccines can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancers and eliminate many early cellular changes that could lead to cancer.

Vaccinating only girls is not enough to fully halt HPV transmission. Boys, although they do not have a cervix, can carry and spread high-risk HPV types to their partners. Vaccinating boys reduces the overall circulation of HPV in the community, protecting women and contributing to herd immunity.

Additionally, HPV can cause cancers in men, including anal, penile, and throat cancers, along with genital warts. Vaccinating boys not only helps prevent cervical cancer indirectly but also directly protects them against HPV-related diseases.

Countries such as the US, UK, and Australia now include both boys and girls in routine childhood HPV immunizations. Organizations like the WHO and CDC recommend vaccinating children between 9 and 12 years, before potential exposure to the virus.

However, challenges remain. Vaccination rates vary widely due to misinformation, cost, cultural resistance, or lack of awareness. Public health campaigns are crucial to improve education, access, and uptake of the vaccine.

Wider vaccination of both boys and girls is a major step in the fight against cervical cancer. With adequate coverage, experts believe it could drastically reduce HPV infections and potentially eliminate HPV-driven cervical cancer in the future. Preventing the virus before it spreads is the most effective defense, protecting entire communities from the devastating effects of this largely preventable disease.