Vaccines Can Prevent Cancer, Say Experts at CARE Hospitals During World Immunization Week 2025
Vaccines Play a Key Role in Cancer Prevention
CARE Hospitals Urges Parents to Vaccinate Young Girls and Women Against HPV and Ensure Hepatitis B Vaccination for All
The word “cancer” itself brings fear to many. It’s a disease that is affecting more and more people in India today—not just because of unhealthy habits, but also due to a lack of awareness and late detection. In 2022, India recorded about 14.6 lakh new cancer cases, and this number is expected to reach 15.7 lakh per year by 2025. Among women, breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most common. Sadly, many people go to the doctor only after the disease has advanced, making treatment harder and survival chances lower.
But the good news is, some types of cancer can be prevented through vaccines. This year’s World Immunization Week (April 24–30) is being observed with the theme “Humanly Possible: Protecting Future Generations,” highlighting how vaccines can protect people from serious illnesses, including certain cancers. CARE Hospitals is encouraging everyone to understand the importance of vaccines in preventing cervical and liver cancers.
The Indian government has already taken a big step by including the HPV vaccine in its Universal Immunization Programme. This vaccine protects young girls from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most cases of cervical cancer. Similarly, the Hepatitis B vaccine helps prevent liver cancer by stopping long-term liver infections.
Dr.Satish Pawar, Consultant Surgical Oncologist at CARE Hospitals, Hi-tech City, Hyderabad said, “We now know clearly that vaccines can prevent cancer. The HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines give us a real chance to reduce cancer in the coming years. Giving these vaccines at the right time, especially to children and teenagers, is very important.”
From the women’s health point of view, the message is equally strong. Dr Prabha Agarwal, Sr. Consultant Obstetrics &Gynecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeonat CARE Hospitals, Hi-tech City, Hyderabad added, “Cervical cancer is largely preventable with the HPV vaccine. Parents must be aware of this and take proactive steps to get their daughters vaccinated at the recommended age. In fact, young women up to age 26 can also benefit if they haven’t yet received the vaccine. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect their long-term health.”
The HPV vaccine works best when administered between the ages of 9 and 14, but catch-up vaccination is also advised for young women up to 26 years of age. It can prevent over 90% of cervical cancer cases. The Hepatitis B vaccine, typically given at birth and in early childhood,offers lifelong protection from chronic liver infections and reduces the risk of liver cancer significantly.
Importantly, even boys in the same age group should be vaccinated, as they can act as carriers of HPV and contribute to its spread. Vaccinating boys not only protects them against HPV-related diseases but also strengthens herd immunity, reducing overall transmission and protecting future generations.
CARE Hospitals urges parents to consult paediatricians about administering the HPV vaccine to both daughters and sons, encourages families to ensure that everyone has completed their Hepatitis B vaccination schedule, and calls on communities to actively spread awareness about the safety, benefits, and life-saving potential of these cancer-preventive vaccines.
