HPV-Cancer awareness campaign in Chennai Chennai

In a major step towards cancer prevention, the Serum Institute of India (SII) launched its nationwide campaign, the “Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025,” in Chennai. The initiative aims to raise awareness about HPV (Human Papillomavirus)-related cancers, which continue to pose a serious health threat in India, particularly among women. India records over 1.23 lakh new cases of cervical cancer and more than 77,000 deaths each year, making it the second most common cancer among Indian women. HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer, is also linked to other forms of cancer, including anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers, affecting both men and women. The inaugural conclave featured a distinguished panel of medical professionals, including Dr. Vijaya from ESIC Medical College, Dr. Somu Sivabalan of Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Dr. Kavitha Sukumar from MMC & Kauvery Hospital, and Dr. B. Sarath Balaji of ICH MMC. The session was moderated by Dr. Jayashree N. from the Cancer Institute, Adyar. The panel discussed the critical need for awareness, early intervention, and vaccination to combat the growing threat of HPV-related cancers. One of the key highlights of the event was the emphasis on the Cervavac vaccine—India’s first indigenously developed, affordable, gender-neutral HPV vaccine. The speakers highlighted the urgent need to vaccinate adolescents and young adults of all genders, underlining that HPV affects both men and women and prevention must be inclusive. Addressing the gathering, Parag Deshmukh, Executive Director of SII, stated that the goal of the conclave is to educate communities, empower parents and youth with knowledge, and encourage early detection and timely vaccination, thereby significantly reducing preventable cancer cases across the country. According to the ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2023), over 511 million Indian women aged 15 and above are at risk of cervical cancer. With this alarming data in mind, the conc