Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2026: January of each year is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. This is an important reminder that it can be prevented with the help of proper awareness, which includes important preventive measures such as: vaccination and screening. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine frequently comes up in discussions about cervical cancer prevention because it protects against high-risk virus strains.
There can still be a lot of confusion about the HPV vaccine, about who should get it and at what age. HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr. Sachin V. Trivedi, Director of Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Center, Mumbai, who gave us a clear breakdown of its usage.
What is the HPV vaccine?
This vaccine is designed to protect against HPV, one of the most common infections worldwide. This infection is the direct cause of a significant proportion of cancers, including those of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer), anus, penis, vulva, and vagina. However, the oncologist asserted that “the good news is that most HPV-related cancers are preventable through timely vaccination.”
He also revealed that nearly 70% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV types 16 and 18, both of which can be covered by currently available vaccines. This means the new vaccine protects against additional high-risk HPV strains and provides even broader cancer protection.
Who should receive it?
Dr. Trivedi emphasized that the sooner the vaccine is administered, the more effective it is and recommended certain age groups. “The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 14 because it is most effective when given before exposure to the virus,” he said. However, vaccination can also be beneficial for adolescents and young adults who have not previously been vaccinated. ”
The oncologist also said that HPV vaccination is strongly recommended for people ages 15 to 26, even if they are sexually active, if they have not been vaccinated earlier. Similarly, adults between the ages of 27 and 54 may also benefit, but should consult their doctor before getting the vaccine.
Finally, the oncologists concluded with an important caveat: “Although the vaccine does not treat existing infections, it significantly reduces the risk of future HPV-related cancers.”“This means that the HPV vaccine is preventive rather than curative. It cannot eliminate HPV infection, but it can significantly reduce the chance of getting it.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.