World Cancer Day highlights the urgent need for prevention
as much as treatment, especially against cancers caused by the Human
Papillomavirus (HPV). Often silent and symptomless, HPV is linked to cervical,
throat, and anal cancers that can turn deadly if detected late. Health experts
say timely vaccination and regular screening.
World Cancer Day serves as a power ful reminder that many
life-threatening dis eases can be prevented with timely awareness and action.
Among them is Human Pap illomavirus (HPV), a silent but widespread infection
linked to several cancers that often go unnoticed until it is too late. On
February 4, radi ologist-oncologist Dr. Sand eep Kumar Tula is urging families
to take prevention seriously, calling vaccina tion and early screening the
strongest weapons against HPV-related cancers. Drawing from over four years of
frontline cancer care, Dr. Tula says the biggest dan ger with HPV is how
quietly it spreads. “People think of it as just another infection, but HPV is
actually respon sible for multiple cancers. High-risk strains like 16 and 18
alone cause nearly 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. These viruses silently
inte grate into cells and trigger mutations that lead to cervi cal, vaginal,
vulvar, penile, anal, and throat cancers.” He explains that transmis sion is
easier than most peo ple assume. “Sexual contact is the primary route, and even
a single exposure can transmit the virus. Smoking, weak immunity, poor diet,
alcohol use, and obesity fur ther increase the risk because the body struggles
to fight the infection.” What makes the disease especially dangerous, he adds,
is the absence of early warning signs. “Most HPV infections don’t show symp
toms initially. That’s why it’s so deceptive. By the time patients notice
abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, throat hoarseness, difficulty swallowing,
or anal discom fort, the disease may already be advancing.”
Dr. Tula highlights the dramatic difference early detection
can make. “If we catch cancer at Stage 1, sur vival can be close to 90%. But by
Stage 4, it drops sharply to around 15–20%. That’s why screening is critical.”
He recommends regular Pap smears and HPV DNA tests for women, especially after
the age of 30, along with routine health check ups for everyone. “Follow the
screening guidelines every three to five years. Detect it early, and we can
treat it ef fectively with surgery, radia tion, or chemotherapy before it
spreads.” For him, however, the most powerful tool remains prevention through
vaccina tion. “The HPV vaccine is es sentially a shield. It produces antibodies
that neutralize the virus before it can infect you.” Explaining the options
available in India, he says, “Gardasil protects against four strains and costs
around Rs 3,800 per dose, while Gar dasil 9 covers more strains at about Rs
10,300 per dose. Government programs are increasingly offering it free, though
availability differs by region.”
Vaccination at the right age, he stresses, offers maxi mum
protection. “Children between 9 and 14 need just two doses. After 14, three
doses are required. And it’s not just for girls — boys must take it too because
it prevents anal and throat cancers and reduces transmission. There’s no strict
upper age limit, but earlier vaccination works best.” Beyond medical advice,
Dr. Tula has also been lead ing community outreach efforts to spread awareness.
Since Republic Day this year, he and his volunteers have conducted campaigns at
public spaces, traffic sig nals, villages, and colleges to educate families and
students about HPV risks. “We want awareness to reach people who may never walk
into a hospital for preventive care. Education at the grassroots level can save
thousands of lives,” he says. As World Can cer Day spotlights preven tion, Dr.
Tula leaves people with a straightforward mes sage: “Quit smoking, practice
safe habits, eat healthy, screen regularly, and vaccinate early. HPV-related
cancers are up to 90% preventable. We have the tools — we just need to use
them.