HPV Vaccine Revolution: Dr. Sandeep Kumar Tula Reveals How to Stop Cervical. Throat, and Anal Cancers Before They Start on World Cancer Day.
Dr. Sandeep Kumar Tula, Yashoda Hospital radiologist-oncologist, shares vital HPV vaccine insights for cancer prevention on World Cancer Day, February 4th. Imagine a silent virus lurking in everyday life, sparking deadly cancers in the cervix, throat, or anal canal, yet preventable with a simple vaccine. On World Cancer Day, Dr. Sandeep Kumar Tula, a seasoned radiologist and oncologist at Yashoda Hospital Secunderabad, pulls no punches. With 4.5 years battling cancer on the frontlines, he breaks down HPV threats, from sneaky symptoms to game-changing vaccines, urging India to act now. “Early detection and vaccination aren’t options, they’re lifelines,” he says in this exclusive interview.
Imagine a silent virus lurking in everyday life, sparking deadly cancers in the cervix, throat, or anal canal, yet preventable with a simple vaccine. On World Cancer Day, Dr. Sandeep Kumar Tula, a seasoned radiologist and oncologist at Yashoda Hospital Secunderabad, pulls no punches. With 4.5 years battling cancer on the frontlines, he breaks down HPV threats, from sneaky symptoms to game-changing vaccines, urging India to act now.
“Early detection and vaccination aren’t options, they’re lifelines,” he says in this exclusive interview.
Unmasking HPV: The Virus Behind Multiple Cancers
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, isn’t one bug, it’s a family with over 100 strains, but high-risk types like 16 and 18 drive 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. Dr. Tula explains: “Low-risk types cause warts, but high-risk ones silently integrate into cells, triggering mutations in cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancers.”
What sparks these? Sexual transmission is key, unprotected intercourse spreads it easily. “Even one exposure can plant the seed,” Dr. Tula warns. Risk amps up with smoking, weakened immunity, or early sexual debut. Lifestyle culprits like Tobacco, alcohol, poor diet, and obesity weaken defenses, letting HPV fester.
Symptoms, Screening, and Survival Stages
Early HPV infections? Often symptom-free, making them devilishly sneaky. Watch for cervical changes (abnormal bleeding, discharge), throat issues (hoarseness, swallowing pain), or anal discomfort. “By stage 1, survival nears 90%; stage 4 drops to 15-20%,” Dr. Tula stresses.
Screening is your shield: Pap smears or HPV DNA tests for women from age 30; anal Pap for high-risk groups; routine check-ups for all. Indian guidelines (per ICMR) recommend starting at 21-30, repeating every 3-5 years if negative. “Detect early, and we cure with surgery, radiation, or chemo no spread needed.”
HPV Vaccine: Your Preemptive Strike
Enter the vaccine- antibodies that neutralize HPV before it strikes. Gardasil (4-valent: types 6,11,16,18) costs 3,800/dose; Gardasil 9 (9-valent, broader cover) ₹10,300/dose. Indian government pushes it free via programs, but availability varies, stock up at hospitals like Yashoda.
Ages 9-14 (pre-sexual activity): 2 doses. Over 14: 3 doses. “Boys too, prevents anal/throat cancers,” Dr. Tula insists. No upper age limit, but efficacy peaks young.
Dr. Tula’s Groundbreaking Awareness Campaigns
Not just talk, Dr. Tula leads by action. Since Republic Day (Jan 26, 2026) at KBR Park’s Buddha statue, his volunteers hit 28 traffic signals (with police nod), Amuru village (Jan 30-31), targeting middle/lower-middle-class kids.
“A 10-hour student program turned them into awareness warriors.”
February 4th flash mob at Osmania University with 30-40 volunteers. “We’re the ventricle of change, pumping knowledge where it’s scarcest: underserved communities.”
Dr.Sandeep Kumar Tula’s message
Control lifestyle (quit smoking, safe sex, healthy eats), screen regularly, vaccinate early. “HPV cancers are 90% preventable. On World Cancer Day, let’s make India immune.”
What’s your next step, get screened or vaccinated?
