• Source:JND
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A vaccine aimed at fighting cancers affecting women will be available within the next five to six months, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said on Tuesday. The vaccine, which is in the final stages of research and undergoing trials, will be offered to girls aged 9 to 16 years, the union minister stated.

Speaking at a press conference, Prataprao Jadhav, emphasised that the rise in cancer cases has prompted the Central government to take action. As part of the initiative, women over the age of 30 will undergo cancer screenings at hospitals and new daycare cancer centers will be established for early detection of the disease. 

The vaccine will target three major types of cancers affecting women: breast, oral and cervical. The union minister also highlighted the importance of preventive measures in combating these cancers and provided details on the government’s efforts to improve healthcare access.

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"The research on a vaccine for cancers that affect women is nearly complete and trials are underway. It will be available in five to six months, and girls in the age group of nine to 16 years will be eligible for inoculation," he said as quoted by news agency PTI.

Further addressing public health, the minister mentioned that existing healthcare centers are being expanded to include Ayush departments. India currently has 12,500 such facilities, with plans for further expansion to ensure better access to alternative treatments.

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What Are Cancer Vaccines?

Cancer vaccines work as a form of immunotherapy by training the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. These vaccines are designed to educate the body’s immune system to identify cancer-specific markers, called antigens and eliminate malignant cells. Cancer vaccines are a promising development in preventing virus-related cancers and may play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of certain cancers in the future.