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Father's HPV Vaccine Plea: Protecting Daughters from Cancer
2 Mar
Summary
- A father seeks HPV vaccination for his daughters after wife's cervical cancer battle.
- Cervical cancer treatment involves radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, with significant side effects.
- The financial burden of treatment has been immense, impacting the family's savings and employment.
Anil Singh's wife has been battling cervical cancer since 2018, enduring extensive radiation and chemotherapy. The disease relapsed in June 2025, progressing to an advanced stage. Singh is now focused on vaccinating his two daughters, aged 20, against HPV, the virus responsible for most cervical cancers. The US FDA approved the Gardasil 9 vaccine for individuals up to age 45, though it is most effective when administered before age 15.
The family has incurred significant costs, with nearly Rs 30 lakh spent since 2018, impacting their finances and Singh's employment. His daughters have taken on caregiving roles at home, managing household chores and assisting with their mother's daily needs. Singh considers HPV vaccination a crucial preventive measure.
Experts emphasize that prevention and early detection are vital for combating cervical cancer. Dr. Neerja Bhatla notes the vaccine's effectiveness in younger girls and the potential benefits for older women, though national programs primarily target younger age groups. Widespread vaccination and regular screening are considered essential to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
