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Kolkata, June 7, 2025: The Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, has launched the ‘Conquer HPV and Cancer Conclave 2025’ in Kolkata as part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cancer prevention.
The event, held in the city, brought together leading medical experts, healthcare professionals, and community members to discuss the impact of HPV, its link to various cancers, and the importance of early prevention. The conclave also spotlighted ‘Cervavac’, India’s first indigenously developed HPV vaccine, which is recommended for both boys and girls aged 9 to 26.
Breaking the Stigma
“HPV is still considered a sensitive topic, and there’s a stigma around it. Many parents and teenagers feel uncomfortable discussing it, which leads to a lack of awareness and hesitation around preventive steps like vaccination,” said Dr. Dipanwita Banerjee, a specialist in gynaecological cancer surgery at Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Pallab Chattopadhyay, pediatrician at Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, emphasized that while cervical cancer in women is widely discussed, HPV’s impact on men is often overlooked. “HPV can cause serious health issues in men too, including cancers of the penis, anus, and throat. These risks are rarely talked about, leading to late detection and more difficult recoveries,” he stated.
The Need for Early Prevention
India faces a significant burden of HPV-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women in the country. According to the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), India reports over 123,000 new cervical cancer cases and more than 77,000 deaths annually.
HPV is also responsible for about 90% of anal cancer cases and 63% of penile cancer cases in men. Experts at the conclave stressed that HPV can cause cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and throat, affecting both genders.
Since HPV infections are most common between ages 15 and 25, the panel highlighted the importance of early vaccination, ideally before exposure to the virus. The Cervavac vaccine, recommended for those aged 9 to 26, offers a crucial preventive measure for both boys and girls.
A Step Forward for Public Health
The conclave, moderated by Dr. Jaydeep Choudhury, Professor of Pediatrics at the Institute of Child Health, underscored the need for open conversations and accessible information to combat the stigma and misinformation surrounding HPV.
With initiatives like the ‘Conquer HPV and Cancer Conclave 2025’, the Serum Institute of India continues its mission to save lives and improve public health outcomes through education, innovation, and vaccination.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information from India Blooms News Service as of June 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalized medical guidance, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
