Apollo Cancer Centre & CURE Foundation have launched a Free Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive to mark World Cancer Day, aiming to raise awareness and prevent cervical cancer. The initiative was inaugurated by actress Meenakshi Choudary on February 3, 2025, at Apollo Cancer Centres, Hyderabad.
A Month-Long Vaccination Drive
The free HPV vaccination drive will run throughout February at Apollo Cancer Centre, Jubilee Hills, between 9 AM and 6 PM. The hospital is also extending vaccinations to orphaned young girls across Hyderabad to ensure they receive this critical preventive measure at no cost.
A Step Forward in the Fight Against Cervical Cancer
Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy, Director of Apollo Cancer Centre, highlighted the importance of widespread HPV vaccination, stating that this initiative aims to protect future generations and prevent unnecessary suffering.
Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy further added that actress Meenakshi Choudhary, a national badminton player, swimmer, and dental doctor, has pledged to support cancer awareness and charity initiatives. He emphasized that cancer is preventable, detectable early, and curable, and that awareness programs like this help eliminate the stigma associated with the disease.
Currently, only two cancers can be prevented through vaccination—liver cancer and cervical cancer. While the Central Government has announced plans for free HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 26, the rollout will take time. To bridge this gap, Apollo Cancer Centres is proactively vaccinating underprivileged girls in Hyderabad and Secunderabad while increasing public awareness of HPV vaccination’s importance. On the launch day, 150 orphaned girls received the vaccine, and the program will continue throughout February to reach more beneficiaries.
Meenakshi Choudhary Advocates for Awareness
Actress Meenakshi Choudhary expressed her pride in being associated with this initiative, stating that cervical and breast cancer remain the most common cancers among women. While many of these cancers are treatable, the lack of awareness prevents women from seeking timely medical help. She stressed the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding cancer and increasing awareness, ensuring that more women take preventive measures.
The Rising Burden of Cervical Cancer
Cancer cases are rising at an alarming rate, with a significant number diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting recovery prospects. Among women, cervical and breast cancers make up 50% of all female cancers in India. Notably:
- 20% of Indian women diagnosed with cancer suffer from cervical cancer, which predominantly affects rural populations.
- 30% of female cancer cases are breast cancer, more prevalent in urban areas.
While global HPV vaccination programs have successfully reduced cervical cancer cases, India continues to record high incidence rates due to lack of awareness and accessibility to vaccines.
A Commitment to Eliminate Cervical Cancer
Dr. Reddy reaffirmed Apollo Cancer Centres’ commitment to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. The WHO recommends that 90% of girls should be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15—a target that Apollo Cancer Centres aims to support through this initiative.
