Crime Today News
File picture: An employee in personal protective equipment (PPE) prepares before operating a filling machine inside a lab at Serum Institute of India, Pune.
| Photo Credit:
FRANCIS MASCARENHAS
The ”Conquer HPV and Cancer Conclave 2025” was launched in Pune today as part of a nationwide public health initiative led by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
India continues to grapple with a significant burden of HPV-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women in the country. According to the ICO/ IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2023), India records more than 1.23 lakh new cervical cancer cases and over 77,000 deaths annually due to the disease. Additionally, HPV is linked to up to 90 per cent of anal cancers and 63 per cent of penile cancers.
A panel of medical specialists engaged in a detailed discussion on the public health challenges posed by HPV. The panel emphasised the urgent need to raise awareness about HPV, particularly among adolescents and their parents, and highlighted the vital role of healthcare providers in guiding preventive care.
Speakers pointed out that HPV is not limited to cervical cancer — it is also linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx, affecting both men and women. Since HPV infection peaks between the ages of 15 and 25, early awareness and timely preventive measures are crucial. With an affordable HPV vaccine now available, it is easier than ever to protect individuals from HPV-related cancers.
“Through these conclaves held across the country, we aim to increase understanding of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to cervical and other cancers,” said Parag Deshmukh, Executive Director, Serum Institute of India. “By bringing together medical experts, healthcare workers, and community members, the forum encourages open dialogue and practical steps toward early detection and prevention.”
The Pune conclave concluded with a dialogue involving audience members, reinforcing the broader goal of the campaign: to reduce the burden of preventable cancers through informed decision-making and community engagement. The initiative will continue in cities across the country in the coming months, creating platforms for credible voices in healthcare to educate and empower the public.
Published on May 30, 2025
This article first appeared on The Hindu Business Line
📰 Crime Today News is proudly sponsored by DRYFRUIT & CO – A Brand by eFabby Global LLC
Design & Developed by Yes Mom Hosting
