India's HPV Vaccine: Rewriting the Cervical Cancer Story for Adolescent Girls

• India launches nationwide free HPV vaccination for adolescent girls to prevent cervical cancer.
• Dr. Kriti Hegde highlights HPV as a widespread viral infection, with high-risk strains like HPV-16 and HPV-18 causing cervical carcinogenesis.
• The HPV vaccine works by training the immune system to produce antibodies, preventing viral entry and subsequent cancer development.
• Vaccinating adolescents (around age 14) ensures stronger immune responses and protection before potential viral exposure.
• The national program aims to shift from cancer treatment to prevention, offering free access to all, with recommendations extending to boys for broader protection.