‘Cervical cancer can possibly be eliminated’

Cervical cancer has the possibility of elimination and can be eradicated from many countries in the world in four to five decades, said Dr. R. Sankaranarayanan, Special Advisor on cancer control and head of screening group with the World Health Organisation (WHO), at the Asia-Oceania Research Organisation in Genital Infection and Neoplasia (AOGIN) conclave held in Singapore last week. 

The three-day conclave was attended by gynaecologic oncologists, scientists and representatives of pharmaceutical majors. Dr. Sankaranarayanan said that cervical cancer incidence was falling globally by about 1 to 3 per cent per annum, and that screening as well as vaccination are effective interventions to tackle the malady.

He outlined WHO’s guidance note on cervical cancer that puts vaccination against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) of girls in the 9 to 13 age group as primary prevention, and screening of women aged over 30 as secondary prevention. 

WHO considers HPV vaccine as one of the best strategies in cancer control,” the  Dr. said. HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer among women and penile cancer in men. 

 Dr. Sankaranarayanan said, “WHO has clearly stated that based on experience of clinical trials and national programmes, HPV vaccine is as safe as any other vaccine.” 

Dr. Anuj Walia, Regional Director, Medical Affairs (Asia Pacific) with MSD Pharmaceuticals, said Australia had implemented the vaccine six years ago and has shown significant impact. He cited the safety reviews that Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published that have shown the vaccine as safe. 

The cervical cancer vaccine  has been in the global market for 10 years.  Its cost of Rs. 2,700 per dose has limited its reach. WHO recommends two doses of the vaccine at a gap of six to 12 months for girls in the 9 to 13 age group. 

“India has 23% of the global burden of cervical cancer. The vaccine has been around, but the uptake has not been significant,” said Dr. Neerja Bhatla. Dr. Bhatla, who is professor of gynaecology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, said the vaccine was an important intervention India, more so with regard to the country’s young demographic. Besides, she said it is a generation of sexually active people and need protection from HPV, the most common sexually transmitted infection. 

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