Accommodation for Patients and Kin  -  Affordable Treatment for Poor Patients  -  Cancer Hospitals in India  -  Counselling and Rehabilitation for Patients  -  Crowdfunding for Treatment Costs  -  Financial Help for Needy Patients  -  Free Food for Patients and Kin  -  Genetic Testing to Check Susceptibility  -  Govt Schemes for Cancer Treatment   -  Inspirational Books by Cancer Survivors  -  Integrative Holistic Cancer Care  -  Subsidised Medicines Prosthesis Wigs  -  Palliative Care for Terminal Patients  -  Second Opinion on Cancer Diagnosis  -  Support Groups for Cancer Patients  -  Vaccination to Protect from Cervical Cancer  -  

HPV vaccination saves women from cervical cancer...

Cervical cancer is the second most deadly cancer (after breast cancer) afflicting women in India. The numbers are staggering, with about 123,000 new cases and around 67,000 deaths every year. The disease is caused by persistent infection during sexual contact, by 6,11, 16 and 18 strains of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV vaccines protect against these strains by generating anti-bodies. However, it is important that vaccination is done prior to onset of sexual activity. There is no point in vaccinating a person who is already sexually active.

As per WHO, the ideal age for vaccinating girls is 9 to 13 years. However, studies have shown that immune reaction is strong till age 26 and women up to this age can take the vaccine if they have not been sexually active until then. Girls receiving the vaccine before age 15, have to go in for a two-dose schedule. The interval between the two doses should be 6 months.  Girls older than 15 can use a three-dose schedule, with 2nd dose after 1 month and 3rd dose after 6 months. 

Status of implementation of HPV vaccine in India...

In March 2023, Govt of India announced that 'Cervavac' an indigenously developed quadrivalent HPV vaccine will be included in the Universal Immunisation Programme in a phased manner over 3-4 years. To begin with, the vaccine will be introduced as a one-time catch-up for 9-14 years' old girls. Subsequently routine vaccination for girls will be at 9 years age. Once routine immunisation covers 80% girls, immunisation of boys will be considered.

The other two vaccines which have been available in India from 2009 are Cervarix by Merck and Gardasil by Glaxo Smithkline. The price is upwards of Rs 2,000 per dose. Women and girls who are aware of the benefits and can afford the price, should get themselves vaccinated. These vaccines are not available in Government hospitals. Private hospitals and Gynecology clinics offer the same under specific request. Further, organisations and NGOs listed under 'Whom Can You Contact?' section are playing a major role in popularising the vaccination.

It is to be noted that these vaccines protect against virus strains which account for about 70% of cervical cancer cases. Therefore, even after vaccination regular cancer screening is required during adult life.

Bangalore

Anvay Wellness

Anvay has collaborated with ISCCP to enhance the reach of cancer screening and HPV vaccination.

#47, Byrasandra Main Road, Jayanagar 1st Block, Bangalore 560011

98800 48094

anvay.co

Delhi-NCR

CAPED Trust (Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Early Detection)

To explain about cervical cancer & HPV vaccination, they conduct awareness workhops in(i) Corporates (for the female work force) (ii) Colleges & schools (for the female faculty and girl students) and (iii) Residential townships in and around Gurgaon

Escape 271, Nirvana Country, Sector – 50, Gurgaon 122018

98731 62532

www.capedindia.org

Delhi-NCR

Indian Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ISCCP)

ISCCP has associated with Anvay Wellness to maximize reach of screening and HPV vaccination.

42E, Kamla Nagar, Delhi 110007

Dr Sweta Balani, Hon. Secretary

isccp.in

Mumbai

Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiative and Rural Development

Have taken up a project to administer HR-HPV vaccine to underprivileged girls up to 15 years of age in the districts of Latur, Beed, Ahmednagar and Solapur.

Aditya Birla Centre, 1st Floor, 'C' Wing, S.K. Ahire Marg Worli, Mumbai, 400030

022-6652 5000

Web Page

Mumbai

CPAA - Cancer Patients Aid Association

CPAA has run free HPV Vaccination Camps for girl students from marginalised sections, of age group 9 to 14 years, in the Districts of Ahmednagar, Beed, Latur and Solapur.

Smt. Panadevi Dalmia Cancer Management Centre, King George V Memorial, Dr E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400011

022-2492 4000, 2492 8775, 2492 1856

www.cancer.org.in

Mumbai

The Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI)

FOGSI strongly recommends HPV vaccine for primary prevention of cervical cancer.

C-5 to 7, 1st Floor, Trade World, D-wing Entrance, S. B. Marg, Kamala City, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013.

022-2495 1654, 2495 1648, 2494 8032

Web Page

Mumbai

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Immunisation (IAPCOI)

IAPCOI recommends offering HPV vaccine to all females who can afford the vaccine.

Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Kamdhenu Business Bay, 5th Floor, Plot No. 51, Sector 1, Juinagar East, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400706

022-2771 0857, 2771 5578

iapindia.org