Close cervical cancer gap, focus on equity, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• A Lancet study estimates India can prevent over 10 million cervical cancer cases in the next century by meeting WHO's HPV vaccination targets.
• India accounts for over 1.2 lakh new cervical cancer cases and approximately 80,000 deaths annually.
• In February of this year, an HPV vaccination programme for adolescent girls was launched in India.
• Screening rates remain low, with only around 2% of eligible women undergoing regular testing; Tamil Nadu has rates above 10%, while Assam and West Bengal register around 0.2%.

Detailed Insights:

• The WHO targets include vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15, screening 70% of women at ages 30 and above, and ensuring 90% of patients receive treatment.
• The HPV vaccine was first introduced in India in 2008, but uptake was limited due to safety concerns, information gaps, logistical issues, and sociocultural barriers.
• Experts have proposed integrating HPV nucleic acid testing into the National Essential Diagnostics List to improve screening reach and accuracy.
• Disparities in access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment disproportionately affect women in rural districts, poorer households, and marginalized communities.
• Integrating HPV nucleic acid testing into the National Essential Diagnostics List can expand screening reach beyond urban centers.

Key Concepts Involved:

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): A common virus that can cause cervical cancer.
• Cervical Cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix.
• National Essential Diagnostics List: A list of essential diagnostic tests that should be available at all levels of the healthcare system.