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Developed in 2018 by the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS), International HPV Awareness Day is celebrated annually on March 4 and is an annual opportunity to educate about the Human Papillomavirus, its associated cancers and advice for prevention. prevention against the virus that we have the tools to eliminate. and the ability to prevent cancers that HPV can cause. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Nanda Rajaneesh, visiting consultant of breast oncology surgery and bariatric surgery at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, shared, “Human papillomavirus (HPV), a DNA virus, is often not shows symptoms and may go away on its own. in approximately 90% of cases within two years. However, it can cause the formation of warts or precancerous lesions, increasing the risk of suffering from various cancers in areas such as the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, tonsils or throat.
He revealed: “The main route of transmission is through sexual contact, predominantly affecting the cells of the cervix. While the immune system can normally clear most infections, persistent high-risk HPV infections can lead to prolonged cervical infection and the development of precancerous lesions. If left untreated, these lesions can progress to cervical cancer due to genetic alterations and the activities of the viral oncogenes E6 and E7, which stimulate cell replication and tumor formation. In particular, HPV16 and HPV18 are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers, with HPV16 being the cause of almost 90% of oropharyngeal cancers.”
He highlighted that “genital warts and laryngeal papillomatosis are frequently the result of HPV6 and HPV11. HPV is associated with most cancers of the anus, cervix, vagina, vulva and penis. Persistent high-risk HPV infections substantially increase the risk of cancer, and about 10% of women face long-term cervical infections. “Promptly detecting and controlling high-risk HPV infections is crucial to preventing precancerous changes and reducing health risks.”
Lending her expertise to the same issue, Dr Swati Gaikwad, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Pune, explained, “Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of related viruses that can infect various parts of the body, mainly the genital area. While many HPV infections resolve on their own, some persistent infections can lead to serious health problems. “HPV is commonly transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.”
Of the more than 100 different types of HPV, some are classified as high risk, which increases the chance of developing cancer. Dr Swati Gaikwad said: “Persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV, particularly types 16 and 18, is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer in women. Additionally, HPV can contribute to cancer of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and oropharynx (the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils). The link between HPV and cancer arises when the virus interferes with the normal regulation of cell growth, leading to the formation of abnormal cells that can eventually become cancerous. “Regular screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, are crucial for early detection of abnormalities and prevention of cancer development.”
She explained: “Vaccination is a key tool to prevent HPV-related cancers. Vaccines like Gardasil 9 protect against the most common types of high-risk HPV, providing a strong defense against cervical and other cancers. The recommended age for HPV vaccination is early adolescence, ideally before any sexual activity, to maximize its effectiveness. By promoting awareness and proactive healthcare measures, we can reduce the impact of HPV on individuals and communities and ultimately work toward a healthier, cancer-free future.”