Serum Institute of India holds awareness meet on HPV, cancer

'Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025' was here on Friday as part of a nationwide public health initiative led by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

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. According to the ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2023), India reports over 1.23 lakh new cervical cancer cases and more than 77,000 related deaths annually. Apart from this up to 90% of anal cancers & 63% of penile cancers are associated with HPV.

“Through these conclaves held across the country, we aim to increase understanding of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to cervical and other cancers,” said Parag Desmukh, Executive Director, Serum Institute of India adding by bringing together medical experts, healthcare workers, and community members, the forum encourages open dialogue and practical steps toward early detection and prevention.

At the Visakhapatnam event, a panel of medical specialists engaged in an in-depth discussion about the public health implications of HPV. The panel included Dr. Sunanda Rani Gutta, Director & Chief Consultant Gynaecologist, Nikitha Hospital, Dr. Redla Vidya Rama, Prof. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Andhra Medical College, Dr. Sai Sunil Kishore, Chief Neonatologist, Medicover Hospital and Dr. Buddha Murali Santosh, Neonatologist and Pediatrician at Motherly Women and Children Hospital.

The session was moderated by Dr. Vani Isukapalli, Superintendent, King George Hospital and president-IMA, Visakhapatnam. The speakers highlighted the pressing need for awareness, the importance of reaching both adolescents and parents, and the role of healthcare providers in guiding preventive care.

They emphasised that HPV is not limited to cervical cancer alone. It is also associated with cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx, affecting both men and women. With peak HPV infection occurring between ages 15 to 25, early awareness and timely preventive action are essential. With an affordable HPV vaccine now available, it has become even easier to protect every individual from HPV associated cancers.