PU students’ group creates awareness on HPV vaccine

Mangaluru: A group of friends who launched Seeds of Hope in Puttur to work for the welfare of cancer patients have started an awareness initiative on HPV or the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine that reduces the severity of cervical and some other cancers.
Aadhya Sulochana, a student at the Shakti PU College, said: “We have been working and interacting with several cancer patients over the last two years.The majority we interacted with are women suffering from breast cancer. Also, cervical cancer is a major cause of mortality among women. We got to know about the Human Papillomavirus Vaccines (HPV) that can reduce the impact of cervical cancer and other cancers and decided to spread awareness about it.”
Seeds of Hope now has a unit in the college with 14 core members. With the support of the college and guidance of Muliya Foundation, a cancer vaccination awareness workshop was held at the college. “We were surprised by the turnout. Even though attendance was not compulsory for the event, about 125 students and 25 faculty members participated.
Dr Chaitra R, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the AJ Hospital, spoke about the importance of eligibility and motivated the youth to get vaccinated. In case we get enough students interested in taking the vaccine, we hope to organise a vaccination camp in association with a hospital,” Aadhya said.
Few takers for vaccine
Dr Chaitra said: “Awareness on sexually transmitted diseases in India is low and it is considered a taboo to discuss it. The HPV vaccine can prevent genital warts, anal cancer and mouth, throat, head and neck cancers in women and men. Three doses are administered for girls and boys between 9- 25 years.”
In general, there are few takers for the vaccine. Since there are proven studies that the severity of cervical and other cancers can be reduced by taking the vaccine, we are encouraging students to go for it.
“However, the vaccine is expensive and costs around Rs 3,500,” she said.