Indian oncologists are sounding the alarm over a concerning spike in cancer cases linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among young adults, particularly those in their 20s and 30s. Once considered rare in this age group, cancers of the cervix, throat, oral cavity, and genitals are now being diagnosed with increasing frequency—drawing urgent calls from the medical community for a national vaccination and screening program.
The sudden rise in HPV-related cancers is particularly troubling, experts say, because these diseases are largely preventable with early intervention and routine immunization. Yet in India, the lack of a government-led vaccination program and persistent social stigma around sexually transmitted infections have created barriers to awareness and access.
Silent Epidemic Among India’s Youth
Doctors report that many of these cancers, especially cervical and oropharyngeal cancers, are being detected at advanced stages. “We are seeing more and more young patients walk into oncology clinics with tumors that have been growing silently for months, sometimes years,” said Dr. Ashish Gupta, a senior oncologist at a Delhi-based hospital. “What is tragic is that many of these could have been prevented altogether.”
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, and while most infections are harmless and resolve on their own, persistent infection with high-risk strains can lead to cancer. Cervical cancer is the most widely known form, but HPV is also responsible for cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and throat.
In India, cervical cancer alone kills one woman every eight minutes, according to public health estimates. Despite this grim statistic, the country has yet to adopt a universal HPV immunization program.
Access and Awareness Gaps Persist
Currently, HPV vaccines are available only in private clinics and hospitals, often at a cost that puts them out of reach for much of the population. The lack of a public program means millions of children and adolescents—particularly in rural or lower-income families—go unvaccinated. Social stigma and misinformation further prevent open conversations about sexual health, even among educated urban populations.
“There is no national drive to inform parents that both boys and girls should be vaccinated between the ages of 9 and 26,” said Dr. Priya Nair, a gynecologic oncologist based in Mumbai. “We need to normalize this as a routine, life-saving immunization—no different from a polio shot.”
A Missed Public Health Opportunity
The World Health Organization has set a global target: vaccinate 90% of girls by age 15, screen 70% of women by age 35, and ensure 90% of diagnosed patients receive timely treatment. India, however, lags far behind these benchmarks. Experts warn that the country risks a looming epidemic of preventable cancers unless it moves swiftly.
Some Indian states, like Sikkim and Delhi, have piloted school-based HPV vaccination programs with success. But a national rollout remains elusive. The Union Health Ministry has previously cited budget constraints, logistical challenges, and limited public acceptance as barriers.
The Case for Urgent Policy Action
Medical professionals are now urging the government to launch a centralised HPV immunization campaign, subsidize vaccines, and integrate routine screenings like Pap smears and oral cavity checks into primary care services.
“If we act now, we could potentially eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem in India within a generation,” said Dr. Gupta. “But if we wait, we’re going to lose thousands of young lives—many of them silently.”
