Serum Institute launches conclave in Kolkata to raise awareness about HPV and cancer prevention

The aim of this initiative is to raise awareness about Human Papillomavirus (HPV), how it can cause cervical and other types of cancer, and how it can be prevented early on.

With the goal of saving lives worldwide, the institute launched 'Cervavac'—India’s first locally made HPV vaccine that can be given to both boys and girls.

The conclave brought together medical experts, healthcare professionals, and members of the local community to discuss HPV and cancer prevention through sharing information and ideas.

The panel included Dr. Pallab Chattopadhyay, Pediatrician at Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, and Dr. Abhijit Sarkar, Senior Pediatric Consultant at Narayana Superspeciality Hospital and President of IAP Howrah Branch (2025-2026).

Also present were Dr. Dipanwita Banerjee, Specialist in Gynaecological Cancer Surgery at Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute; Dr. Basab Mukherjee, Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Calcutta Medical Research Institute and Columbia Asia Hospital; and Dr. Dibyendu Banerjee, Head of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department at Charnock Hospital.

The session was led and moderated by Dr. Jaydeep Choudhury, Professor of Pediatrics at the Institute of Child Health.

The 'Conquer HPV and Cancer Conclave 2025' in Kolkata. Photo: Arpita Das/IBNS

"The term HPV is still considered sensitive, and there is a stigma around it. Many parents and teenagers feel uncomfortable openly discussing it, which often leads to a lack of awareness and hesitation around taking preventive steps like vaccination," said Dr. Dipanwita Banerjee while speaking to IBNS.

"So, especially in a setting where the topic is sensitive, it’s important to use language that is reassuring, respectful, and easy to relate to," she added.

“While there's awareness about cervical cancer and its impact on women, the conversation around HPV in men is still not much talked about. Often men can carry and transmit the virus, sometimes unknowingly, which also puts their partners at risk," said Dr. Pallab Chattopadhyay.

"It can lead to serious health issues in men too, including cancers of the penis, anus, and throat. Yet, these risks are rarely talked about, which leads to late detection and longer, more difficult recoveries," Dr. Chattopadhyay stated.

India has a high number of HPV-related diseases, especially cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer in women.

According to the  Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2023), the country sees over 123,000 new cervical cancer cases and more than 77,000 deaths every year.

HPV also affects men. Around 90 percent of anal cancer cases and 63 percent of penile cancer cases in men are linked to HPV.

The session highlighted not just treatment but also the importance of prevention. The experts explained that HPV is not limited to cervical cancer—it can also cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and throat area (oropharynx), affecting both women and men.

Since HPV infections are most common between the ages of 15 and 25, spreading awareness early and taking preventive steps in time is very important.

However, the Cervavac vaccine is recommended for individuals between the ages of 9 and 26.

This age range is considered ideal because the vaccine works best when given before exposure to HPV. Getting vaccinated early is also a powerful step toward preventing HPV-related cancers in both girls and boys.

The Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., the world’s largest vaccine maker by volume, has been a prominent name in public health for over 50 years.

(Reporting by Rishika Sharma, Images by Arpita Das)