The Global Cancer Observatory predicts that cancer cases will rise to 32.6 million worldwide by 2045, with India already carrying the third-highest cancer burden globally.
Health ministry officials say plan to bring it under nation’s Universal Immunisation Programme stays shelved, mainly due to reasons related to funds and concern around side-effects.
Study conducted by Public Health Scotland in collaboration with University of Strathclyde & University of Edinburgh. Findings published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Study by WHO's cancer research wing says incidence rates of cervical cancer a public health issue. Finds 39% cases occur in India & China, and is largely 'preventable' with HPV vaccine.
Pune-based SII has got the go-ahead from the Drugs Controller General of India to market the vaccine. Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of female cancer mortality worldwide.
Cervical cancer in India is the 2nd most frequent cancer among women between 15-44 years of age. Currently, India is fully dependent on foreign manufacturers for the vaccine.
HPV responsible for 95% of all cervical cancer. National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommended HPV vaccine's inclusion in India's Universal Immunisation Programme in 2017.
We now live in a world order that will keep shifting. India must use this window. This also means we remain disciplined enough not to be knee-jerked into reacting to what Pakistan sees as its moment in the sun.
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