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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · South Asian J Cancer 2023; 12(01): 009-016
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764222
Original Article
Cervical Cancer

Challenges in Cervical Cancer Prevention: Real-World Scenario in India

Satinder Kaur
1   Department of Gynae Oncology, Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi, India
,
Lalit Mohan Sharma
2   Department of Medical Oncology and Clinical Hematology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
,
Vinita Mishra
3   Department of Gynaecology, Ishi Clinic, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
,
Maj Gen Bhupesh Goyal
4   Department of Gynaecology, Command Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
,
Swasti Swasti
5   Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Max Hospital, New Delhi, India
,
Avinash Talele
6   Department of Medical Oncology, Apollo Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Purvish M. Parikh
7   Department of Clinical Hematology, Mahatma Gandhi University of Health Sciences and Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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Abstract

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Satinder Kaur

In spite of global falling trends, cervical cancer remains a major healthcare challenge for India, South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation region, and other low- and middle-income countries. Our survey was to document the real-world challenges that still exist in India. A total of 316 eligible and complete responses to the 21 questions were analyzed. Screening of mothers and vaccinating their daughters was considered as the most important strategy to prevent cervical cancer by 65.8% (208/316). Screening was offered to all asymptomatic eligible females by 79% (250/316). Improvement in screening rates requires promoting the national program (67.7%; 214/316), strengthening existing infrastructure (62%; 196/316), regular training of primary healthcare workers (57.6%; 182/316), and increasing awareness among schools and colleges (57.9%; 183/316). Almost all responders (93%; 294/316) wanted to have human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination included in the national immunization schedule. Cost of vaccine was considered a major roadblock. If it became available at INR 250 per dose, 96.8% (306/316) respondents would recommend it for all eligible patients. With the impending availability of this indigenous tetravalent HPV vaccine jointly produced by Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India and Serum Institute of India, the war against cervical cancer just got easier.

Keywords

HPV - vaccination - public health - VILI - VIA


Publication History

Article published online:
25 February 2023

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