Vaccines Can Prevent Cancer, Say Experts at CARE Hospitals During World Immunization Week 2025
Hyderabad: As India observes World Immunization Week from April 24 to 30, CARE Hospitals is calling on parents and communities to recognize the power of vaccines in preventing certain types of cancer—particularly cervical and liver cancers.
With cancer cases in India steadily rising—14.6 lakh new cases were recorded in 2022, and projections suggest this number could hit 15.7 lakh annually by 2025—medical experts are emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures. Among women, breast and cervical cancers remain the most common, and often go undetected until advanced stages.
However, some forms of cancer are preventable, and vaccines are proving to be one of the most effective tools in reducing the burden.
This year’s World Immunization Week is being observed under the global theme “Humanly Possible: Protecting Future Generations.” In line with this, CARE Hospitals is raising awareness about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the Hepatitis B vaccine, which have shown significant efficacy in reducing the risk of cervical and liver cancers, respectively.
“We now know clearly that vaccines can prevent cancer,” said Dr. Satish Pawar, Consultant Surgical Oncologist at CARE Hospitals, Hi-tech City. “The HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines give us a real chance to reduce cancer in the coming years. Giving these vaccines at the right time, especially to children and teenagers, is very important.”
India’s Universal Immunization Programme now includes the HPV vaccine for young girls—a critical step toward reducing the country’s cervical cancer burden. HPV is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases, and vaccination at an early age can prevent over 90% of them.
The HPV vaccine is ideally administered between the ages of 9 and 14, but catch-up doses are recommended up to age 26. The Hepatitis B vaccine, usually given at birth and in early childhood, helps protect against chronic liver infections that can lead to liver cancer later in life.
CARE Hospitals is also advocating for the vaccination of boys, who can carry and transmit HPV, thereby contributing to its spread. Immunizing boys not only protects them from HPV-related diseases but also strengthens community immunity.
The hospital group is urging families to consult pediatricians, ensure children are up-to-date on their vaccination schedules, and actively spread awareness about the importance of cancer-preventive vaccines.
“This World Immunization Week reminds us that preventing cancer is not just a dream—it is a reality that begins with a simple, safe, and powerful vaccine,” said the doctors.
With India striving toward a cancer-free future, public participation and awareness are essential. CARE Hospitals’ message is clear: vaccination today can save lives tomorrow.