A growing number of oncologists in India are voicing alarm about the role of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the rising incidence of cancers among young people, particularly those in their twenties and thirties. With an increase in cases of cervical, oral, and oropharyngeal cancers linked to HPV, experts warn that India may face a preventable cancer crisis if urgent measures are not taken. Dr. Ashish Gupta, Chief of Medical Oncology at Amerix Cancer Hospital in New Delhi, stated that “HPV-related cancers are being diagnosed far earlier than in the past,” noting that many patients in their twenties are presenting with cervical, oral, and throat cancers that could have been prevented with timely vaccinations and increased awareness.
Dr. Gupta emphasized the heartbreaking reality that HPV is preventable, yet many individuals and families remain unaware of the associated risks. Unlike other cancers that take decades to develop, HPV-related cancers can progress rapidly and often without symptoms. “Prevention through vaccination and early screening should be treated with the same urgency as any national health emergency,” he asserted, calling for a stigma-free nationwide campaign aimed at schools, colleges, and parents.
The HPV virus, primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections globally. While most HPV infections clear naturally, certain high-risk strains can persist and lead to cancer. In women, HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and it is now also strongly associated with oral, anal, and throat cancers in both genders.
Experts are particularly troubled by the societal stigma surrounding HPV discussions in India, leading to low vaccination rates and minimal screening coverage. Dr. Shubham Garg, a Senior Oncologist at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, highlighted the lack of early symptoms associated with HPV-related cancers, making routine screenings crucial. “A young woman with no symptoms may already have precancerous changes in the cervix,” he pointed out, adding that oral HPV infections in men often remain undetected until they result in advanced tumors. Without education, vaccination, and regular checkups, preventable cancers are allowed to spread unchecked.
Original Source: https://nagalandpost.com/hpv-becoming-major-factor-for-rise-in-cancer-cases-among-indian-youth/
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-06-30 01:29:00
