.png)
Udaipur: Experts from Geetanjali Hospital reached out to Gen Z with a message on cervical cancer prevention and the importance of HPV vaccination during a health awareness program at Aravali Institute of Technical Studies, Umarda.
The “Health Talk – Cervical Cancer” session was conducted by Dr. Neelam Kabra Toshniwal, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at GMCH. The session aimed to educate students, faculty members and senior officials about cervical cancer, early screening and the role of HPV vaccination in prevention.
Dr. Toshniwal said cervical cancer remains one of the leading cancers affecting women but is also among the cancers that can be effectively prevented through timely screening and HPV vaccination.
She explained that persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of most cervical cancer cases. Regular Pap smears and HPV testing can help detect abnormalities early, when treatment is generally more effective.
HPV Vaccination Takes Center Stage
Dr. Toshniwal highlighted the importance of HPV vaccination, explaining that it can be administered from ages 9 to 45, with vaccination at younger ages offering the strongest preventive benefit. She also stressed that HPV vaccination is not only important for girls but can benefit boys as well by reducing the risk of HPV infection and related diseases.
She emphasized that vaccination and screening should work together as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy. While vaccination helps prevent HPV-related disease, regular screening remains important for detecting cervical abnormalities at an early stage.
The interactive session saw students raising questions about HPV, vaccination, screening and prevention. Dr. Toshniwal addressed their queries in simple, evidence-based terms, helping participants better understand a health issue that is often surrounded by misinformation and hesitation.
The program concluded with an appeal to students and faculty to take the conversation beyond the classroom and encourage families and communities to become more aware of cervical cancer prevention, timely screening and HPV vaccination.
