CervicalCancer – HPV Vaccination Seen as Key to Eliminating Cervical Cancer in India
CervicalCancer –India could move significantly closer to eliminating cervical cancer in the coming years with wider HPV vaccination coverage, according to renowned Indian-American radiation oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori. Speaking in an interview with IANS, the Padma Bhushan awardee for 2026 said the availability of the vaccine has shifted the fight against the disease in a positive direction and offers renewed hope for long-term prevention.
HPV Vaccination Offers a Strong Preventive Tool
Nori described cervical cancer as one of the few cancers that can largely be prevented through timely vaccination and regular screening. He said the combination of prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment makes it possible to dramatically reduce the burden of the disease if healthcare measures continue to expand.
According to him, the widespread adoption of HPV vaccination provides India with a significant opportunity to reduce future cases and eventually eliminate cervical cancer. He stressed that this progress is achievable because the disease can be prevented before it develops and successfully treated when detected at an early stage.
High Daily Death Toll Remains a Major Concern
Despite advances in medical science, Nori noted that cervical cancer continues to claim the lives of around 200 women every day in India. He described these deaths as especially heartbreaking because doctors now have the medical knowledge and tools needed to prevent many of them.
He welcomed the government’s decision to provide free HPV vaccination for girls, saying the initiative could play a vital role in protecting future generations. Expanding access to immunisation, he said, would significantly strengthen the country’s cancer prevention strategy.
Improvements in India’s Cancer Care System
Reflecting on India’s healthcare progress over the past decade, Nori said the country has witnessed meaningful improvements, particularly in cancer-related services. He pointed to the expansion of healthcare infrastructure and greater attention to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment as encouraging developments.
Among the major milestones, he highlighted the establishment of the National Cancer Institute, describing it as a landmark step in strengthening India’s oncology capabilities. He also noted the growth of cancer hospitals, outpatient treatment centres, and support systems that have increased access to specialised care for patients across the country.
Affordable Treatment and Expanded Support
Nori also acknowledged efforts aimed at making cancer treatment more accessible and affordable. He referred to measures that have reduced the cost of imported chemotherapy medicines and expanded financial assistance for patients undergoing treatment.
He said these initiatives have helped improve access to life-saving therapies while easing the financial burden on families. In his view, continued investment in cancer care programmes will further strengthen India’s healthcare system and improve patient outcomes.
Optimistic Outlook for Future Cancer Control
Looking ahead, Nori expressed confidence that India will continue making steady progress across all areas of cancer management. He believes continued improvements in screening programmes, early diagnosis, prevention strategies, and treatment facilities will contribute to better survival rates and a lower disease burden.
He said sustained public health efforts, combined with scientific advances and wider healthcare access, could transform cancer care in the country over the coming years.
Journey from India to Global Recognition
Speaking about his professional career, Nori reflected on his move to the United States nearly five decades ago. He recalled beginning his career in junior medical and academic positions before eventually leading a department at an Ivy League medical school.
He described his professional journey as an example of the opportunities available through dedication and perseverance. Earlier this year, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in the field of medicine, recognising his longstanding contributions to cancer treatment and research. The Padma Bhushan is India’s third-highest civilian honour, and the official Padma Awards records list him as an awardee from the United States.