Cancer protection drive for 200 girls

Vadodara/ Anand: The medical fraternity and non-voluntary organisation are coming together to protect girls from cervical cancer in Anand.
Nearly 200 girl students of Kasturba Kanya Vidyalaya will undergo vaccination under a mega drive that will be organised on Saturday. For this Sanjivani Trust, Anand, Charotar Education Society, Pramukshwami Medical College, Karamsad and more than 25 private practitioners of Anand have joined hands.
“Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. There are two vaccines that can help protect young girls against HPV. Although paediatricians have now started spreading awareness regarding the vaccines, many parents are still not aware that such a vaccine which is safe and effective, exists,” said surgical oncologist Dr Shailesh Shah, president of the trust, who is leading the drive that will continue till December.
“WHO guidelines already recommend HPV vaccine to prevent infection with the virus which is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer,” he said.
Doctors of Anand and the trust will bear 50% cost of the vaccine while the rest 50 % will be borne by parents. Shah said, such a mega vaccination drive is happening for the second time in Gujarat and first time in Anand.