Bengaluru, Jun 24 (PTI) To tackle the misinformation that HPV or Human Papillomavirus is limited to cervical cancer alone, Serum Institute of India launched on Tuesday a nationwide HPV-cancer public awareness campaign.
In the Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025, organised by the Serum Institute on Tuesday, it was pointed out that HPV is also associated with cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx, affecting both men and women.
"Through these conclaves held across the country, we aim to increase understanding of HPV and its link to cervical and other cancers," said Parag Deshmukh, Executive Director, Serum Institute of India.
According to him, by bringing together medical experts, healthcare workers, and community members, the forum encourages open dialogue and practical steps toward early detection and prevention.
In a press release distributed at the conclave, it was pointed out that with peak HPV infection occurring between ages 15 and 25, early awareness and timely preventive action are essential.
The experts also said as affordable HPV vaccines are now available, it has become easier to protect people from HPV associated cancers.
India continues to face a significant burden of HPV-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer, which remains the second most common cancer among women in the country, stated the press note.
Quoting Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2023), the press note pegged new cervical cancer cases in India at over 1.23 lakh.
It also stated that India sees more than 77,000 related deaths annually.
Apart from this, up to 90 per cent of anal cancers and 63 per cent of penile cancers are associated with HPV.
The panel for Bengaluru event included Dr Chidananda N K, Senior Consultant Paediatrician and Allergist at Chiguru Child Care Centre JP Nagar; Dr Prashanth M V, Paediatrician, Neonatologist & Ped Allergy Asthma Specialist, Child Speciality Clinic, Dr Shobha K, Professor & HOD, Department of Gynaecological Oncology, KIDWAI Memorial Institute of Oncology; and Dr Rajini Uday, Professor and HOD of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre.
The session was moderated by Dr Bhaskar Shenoy, Head, Department of Pediatrics and Chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru.
The Bengaluru conclave concluded with an open dialogue involving audience members, reinforcing the broader goal of the campaign: to reduce the burden of preventable cancers through informed decision-making and community engagement.