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30th Apr 2025
HPV is a widespread, infectious virus that can cause cancer. Many HPV infections resolve on their own, but others can lead to serious health problems, including cervical cancer and other cancers in both men and women. The HPV virus causes no symptoms, yet it is incredibly easy to spread. This means that an infected person may accidentally infect someone else.
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This infection is so widespread that almost everyone who engages in sexual activity will come into touch with at least one strain of the virus. The HPV virus is more easily distributed than many other STIs because it can be transferred through skin-to-skin contact as well as sexual intercourse. The HPV group includes about 200 viruses, some of which can be spread through oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. There are two categories of sexually transmitted HPV types: low risk and high risk. Because HPV is so prevalent, vaccination provides an important line of defense, dramatically lowering the risk of developing related cancers later in life.
HPV symptoms vary depending on the size and intensity of the infection. The majority of HPV instances are asymptomatic, therefore there will be no obvious indications or symptoms. Symptoms that people may experience include:
It is important to know that an HPV strain generates a variety of warts on the body. Normally, the body can fight it off. However, a strain of HPV that produces genital warts or is found on the cervix can cause difficulties. In the event of one of the aforementioned disorders, the doctor will also test for HPV.
HPV is commonly identified by standard screenings such as a Pap smear or HPV DNA test, which can detect the infection in women before symptoms develop. There is no approved HPV test for men, making diagnosis more difficult. Visible indications, such as genital warts or changes in the genital skin, may suggest infection. Regular cancer screenings are essential for early detection, particularly in women, to avoid the development of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Early diagnosis enables timely treatment and care, lowering the risk of serious consequences.
There are 511.4 million women in India who are 15 years or older and at risk of cervical cancer. According to current data, 77348 women die from cervical cancer each year, while 123907 women are diagnosed. In India, cervical cancer is the second most frequent disease in women, as well as the second most common cancer in women aged 15 to 44. It is estimated that 5.0% of women in the general population are infected with cervical HPV-16/18 at any given moment, with HPVs 16 or 18 accounting for 83.2% of invasive cervical cancers.
One of the most compelling reasons to obtain the HPV vaccine is its proven ability to prevent cancer. The majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by certain strains of HPV, specifically HPV types 16 and 18. This virus can also lead to malignancies of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx. HPV vaccination targets the most deadly HPV strains, which can prevent these cancers from developing.
The optimal time to receive the HPV vaccine is before becoming sexually active. The vaccine series is suggested to begin at age 11 or 12, for both boys and girls, but it can be administered as early as age 9. The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered to those who have never been exposed to HPV infection. Preteens who receive the vaccination will have a stronger immune system, providing maximum protection before being exposed to the HPV virus.
HPV can infect both men and women, causing genital warts and other cancers, however, it is most commonly associated with cervical cancer. Boys can also develop anus, penis, and throat cancers, and they are more susceptible to catching and transmitting HPV infections. Vaccinations not only protect guys from HPV-related infections, but they also help slow the virus's spread across the community.
