What is cervical cancer, why was it mentioned in Sitharaman’s Budget speech

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, often due to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 announced the initiative taken by the Centre to promote cervical cancer vaccination among girls aged 9 to 14. The vaccination programme will involve the administration of the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine designed to offer protection against specific strains of cervical cancer.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer happens when abnormal cells start growing in the lining of the cervix. It is the second most common form of cancer affecting women worldwide. The most common type of cervical cancer is squamous cell carcinoma and the least common is adenocarcinoma, accounting for 75 percent and 25 percent of the cases, respectively.

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, often due to HPV infections. Being sexually active without proper precautions can increase your chances of contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus might clear within a year if your immune system is strong. However, if the infection persists over the years, it can result in cervical lining dysplasia, leading to a pre-invasive condition. A weakened immunity can reduce the body's ability to combat HPV infection. Individuals with compromised immune systems, like those with HIV or who have undergone organ transplants, face a higher risk than others.

Why was cervical cancer mentioned in Union Budget speech?

As per data from the HPV Information Centre, India faces a considerable risk of cervical cancer with a population of 511.4 million women aged 15 years and older, who are potentially susceptible to the disease.

According to data from 2020, every year 1,23,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 77,348 die from the disease. Cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in India.

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"Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer among women in India, and its vaccination is recommended before the girl child attains puberty to maximise its benefits. Getting protected against the disease through effective immunisation and enabling early detection are two crucial steps that can help us save close to 1,25,000 women every year," said Dr Kshitiz Murdia – CEO & CO-Founder of Indira IVF.

The National Technical Advisory Group for Immunization (NTAGI) in 2022 recommended HPV vaccination for girls aged nine to 14 as a part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). It was advised to set up vaccination centres in schools and promote awareness about the vaccination.

Currently, there are different types of HPV vaccines that protect against different types of infections. American multinational Merck's HPV shot Gardasil is also available in the market at Rs 10,850. Another product Cervarix by GSK was withdrawn in India in 2022.

In 2023, the nation rolled out India’s first indigenously developed Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccine ‘CERVAVAC’. It was a partnership between the Serum Institute Of India (SII), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) along with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. One dose of the product is priced at around Rs 2,000 currently.

"I applaud the Indian government's announcement to vaccinate girls aged 9-14 against cervical cancer. Let's pledge to prevent HPV and ensure easy access to vaccination," said Adar Poonawalla CEO of the Serum Institute of India in a post on social media platform X.