HPV Virus No Longer Just a Women's Health Issue, Experts Declare in Lucknow Seminar
In a significant shift in medical understanding, experts have declared that Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is no longer considered a women-only health concern. During a seminar held in Lucknow on Friday, medical professionals revealed that this common virus is responsible for causing at least ten different types of cancers that affect both men and women equally.
Expanding the Scope: From Cervical Cancer to HPV-Related Cancers
The seminar, titled "Cervical Cancer – Empower the Storytellers", highlighted a crucial terminology change in the medical community. Experts explained that the traditional focus on "cervical cancer" is now being replaced by the broader term "HPV-related cancers". This change reflects the growing understanding that HPV's impact extends far beyond cervical health.
Professor Indu Lata from SGPGIMS emphasized this point during her address, stating: "While HPV infection remains a major cause of cancer deaths among women, we must recognize that it significantly affects men as well. The virus does not discriminate by gender when it comes to cancer development."
The Diverse Cancer Spectrum Linked to HPV
Medical experts detailed the extensive range of cancers now associated with HPV infection:
- Throat cancers that affect both men and women
- Penile cancers in men
- Cervical cancers in women
- Multiple other cancer types across different body systems
This revelation underscores the importance of viewing HPV as a public health concern that transcends gender boundaries. The virus's ability to cause such a wide variety of cancers makes it a significant threat to population health overall.
Successful Seminar Draws Large Student Participation
The seminar, which attracted over 500 participants primarily consisting of female students, received substantial institutional support. The event was organized through a collaboration between the Children Unbound Foundation and Stree Welfare Foundation, with backing from several prominent institutions:
- Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS)
- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI)
- Serum Institute of India
- Maharaja Bijli Pasi Government Postgraduate College
This multi-organizational support highlights the growing consensus within the medical and research communities about the expanded understanding of HPV's health implications.
Implications for Public Health Awareness and Prevention
The Lucknow seminar marks a turning point in how healthcare professionals and the public perceive HPV-related health risks. By moving beyond the traditional association with cervical cancer alone, medical experts hope to:
- Increase awareness about HPV's broader cancer-causing potential
- Encourage more comprehensive prevention strategies
- Promote gender-inclusive vaccination and screening programs
- Foster better understanding of cancer risks across all population segments
As Professor Lata concluded, "This expanded understanding of HPV's role in multiple cancers should inform our public health policies, prevention efforts, and medical education for years to come." The seminar's success in Lucknow represents an important step toward more inclusive and comprehensive approaches to combating HPV-related health threats.
