HPV Vaccination More Effective to Eliminate Cervical Cancer – Dr Mariam Ifthikar
According to Globocon Data 2020: In India, Breast cancer is the most common cancer (26.3%) and Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer (18.3%) in females. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death – 1,23,907 new cases per year and 77,000 deaths per year. Women constitute nearly half of our population, and their health and vitality are inextricably linked to the prosperity and advancement of our society.
Cervical cancer: a preventable disease which is not yet prevented; has inflicted emotional trauma and devastating economic consequences on countless families. The premature loss of women to this disease is a heart-wrenching tragedy that deprives us of their invaluable contribution to our society. Hence, high-quality screening programs can decrease the incidence of cervical cancer.
As part of the 25th Silver Jubilee Celebration and on the occasion of the first anniversary of Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology, a one-day LIVE Colposcopy Workshop: Scopemasters Forum: Illuminating Excellence in Colposcopy was held at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) on 10 February 2024; in association with FOGSI, KSOGA, and KSC-AGOI.
The workshop was organized by Dr Mariam Anjum Ifthikar, Associate Professor, Gynecological Oncology, ZYIO; and featured National Faculty Dr Priya Ganesh Kumar as the Chief Guest FOGSI Chairperson Gynaecologic Oncology Committee, Dr Shobha K, President KSC-AGOI and Professor Gynaecology Oncology, Kidwai Institute of Oncology, Bangalore and Dr Kiran Kulkarni, Treasurer of KSC-AGOI and Associate Professor Gynaecology Oncology, St John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore.
The workshop involved scientific sessions by the esteemed faculty. Dr Priya Ganesh Kumar, the lead faculty of the programme spoke about the Vaccination drive and the role of colposcopy in early detection of cervical cancer and conducted the Live Colposcopy Workshop. She also acclaimed the state-of-the-art Binocular Colposcope at Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology.
Dr M Vijayakumar, the Vice Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) and Guest of Honour spoke about the importance of early detection of cervical cancer and congratulated Dr Anjum Ifthikar for successfully conducting the workshop with over 200 delegates from various Medical Colleges of Dakshina Kannada.
To reiterate: Screen the mother, Vaccinate the Daughter” and on account of the 25th year Silver Jubilee of Yenepoya Medical College and Hospital and first anniversary of Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology, ZYIO collaborated with Departments of Community Medicine, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yenepoya Medical College arranged the first vaccination drive for eligible MBBS students who volunteered to get the first dose of HPV vaccine on 4 March 2024 at ZYIO marking HPV awareness Day. Organized by Dr M Vijayakumar, Dr Mariam Anjum Ifthikar, and Dr Abhay S Nirgude; the first HPV Vaccination drive in Mangalore was a successful event that was supported by Serum Institute of India.
Dr H R Thimmaiah, District Health Officer, Dakshin Kannada District was the Chief Guest along with Guest of Honour Dr Rajesh B V, RCH officer, Dakshin Kannada District who inaugurated the program and applauded the initiative and success of the event. The program was attended by Heads of the departments of YMCH and Surmi Farhad, Director of Purchase, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) congratulated the beneficiaries for the initiative. The mega vaccination drive was concluded by releasing the balloons by the dignitaries and statutory officers of the University.
Although being a preventable cancer, generally women present in an advanced stage of cancer. More than 95% of cervical cancer is caused by persistent HPV infection. The HPV vaccination is more effective if given between the age group of 9-26 years.
So, the primary responsibility of a healthcare provider in eliminating cervical cancer is:
1) To create awareness depending upon the circumstances and opportunity
2) Screening tests depending on the affordability and access
3) Finally, promote vaccination.
On the occasion of the 25th Silver Jubilee, HPV Vaccination is being given every Saturday at Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology. Both the vaccines – Cervavac and Gardasil are available.