Can Vaccines Prevent Cancer? What Indian Families Should Know?

In terms of cancer prevention, the emphasis is often on healthy lifestyle choices, regular check-ups and early screening. But some infections that can persist in the body for years are associated with certain cancers. The good news is that some cancer-related infections are preventable by vaccination.

A recent report published by The Times of India says that one big research finding was that about one in eight new cancer cases across the world in 2024 was due to infections. The analysis, which appeared in The Lancet Oncology and was reported by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), calculated there were an estimated 2.3 million infection-related cancer cases globally.

This brings up an important question for Indian families: can vaccines prevent cancer? Vaccines can’t stop all cancers, but the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine can help lower the risk of some cancers by preventing infections linked to those cancers.

Knowing how these vaccines work and who might benefit from them and why screening is important will help people make wise choices about their health care.

What Did the New Study Find About Infections and Cancer?

The IARC analysis estimated the number of new cancers attributable to infections across the world in 2024. It identified several infectious agents responsible for a substantial share of these cases, including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), HPV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

The estimated global figures show why infection prevention deserves greater attention in discussions about cancer.

These estimates do not mean that everyone who contracts one of these infections will develop cancer. Most infections do not automatically lead to cancer. Some infections that last a long time can change cells over time and increase the risk of some cancers.

The findings also highlight an important difference: some infections-related cancers are preventable by vaccination and some require other prevention strategies.

1. HPV Vaccine: Prevents Some HPV Related Cancers

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a group of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. Most HPV infections clear up on their own, but persistent infection with some high‑risk HPV types can cause abnormal cell changes that could, over time, become cancer.

HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer. It is also associated with cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and oropharynx, although the level of risk varies by cancer type and HPV type.

WHO guidance on HPV and cancer notes that HPV vaccination is an important means of preventing HPV infection and lowering the risk of cervical and other HPV-related cancers.

Who should consider the HPV vaccine?

WHO recommends HPV vaccination of girls aged between 9 and 14 years, preferably before exposure to the virus. The suitable schedule depends not only on variables like age and immune status, but also on national guidelines and the approved indications of the specific vaccine.

The HPV vaccine may also benefit older teens and some adults. Speak with a qualified healthcare provider about your eligibility and benefits you might receive.

Three important things for families to remember are: HPV vaccines are most effective when received before you are exposed to the types of HPV they protect you from, so the sooner you get vaccinated, the better the protection.

Boys and men can benefit, too: Some HPV vaccines can help prevent HPV-related disease in males. Eligibility based on vaccine, age and recommendations, where applicable.

Vaccination does not replace cervical screening. Women who are eligible for cervical cancer screening should continue to attend as recommended, even if they have been vaccinated against HPV.

For more information, readers are encouraged to visit INVC’s HPV vaccination information and HPV vaccine options, subject to service availability and clinical appropriateness at the time.

2. Hepatitis B Vaccine: A Tool for Lowering the Risk of Liver Cancer

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. It can cause a short-term illness, but some people develop a chronic infection that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer

The WHO hepatitis B fact sheet confirms that hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination. Preventing infection also helps reduce the long-term health complications associated with chronic hepatitis B.

When is hepatitis B vaccination important?

Hepatitis B vaccination is important from infancy. The WHO recommends that every infant receive one dose of hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth, ideally within 24 hours, and then receive the remaining doses in the recommended series.

Children, adolescents and adults who have missed vaccination or are at risk of exposure should discuss their vaccination history and what to do next with a healthcare professional.

This vaccine is especially important because hepatitis B can be spread through contact with infected blood and certain body fluids, including during birth. It can also be transmitted through unsafe injections and other exposure to contaminated blood.

However, vaccination does not treat an existing chronic hepatitis B infection. People who may already be infected should seek medical advice about testing, monitoring and treatment.

>> Readers can learn more through - INVC's hepatitis B vaccination page.

3. Are All Infection-Related Cancers Preventable Through Vaccination?

No. Vaccines are important for preventing some infections that are linked to cancer but not all infections that are linked to cancer have a vaccine.

The IARC findings point to alternative ways to prevent disease:

For example, H. pylori is a bacterium associated with stomach cancer. Prevention strategies can include appropriate testing and treatment to clear infection, where clinically indicated. Do not take antibiotics without your doctor’s advice.

Hepatitis C can be treated successfully with antiviral medicines, but there is no vaccine currently approved to prevent it.

This is an important distinction, because preventing cancer is not just a matter of vaccination. This may include testing, treatment, screening and other evidence-based health care actions, depending on the infection.

4. Key Points to Remember: What Vaccines Cannot Do

There are many causes of cancer including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, certain infections, environmental exposures, inherited factors and aging. One avoided infection is not the end of all risk.
It is important to understand the following major limitations:
Vaccines are not cancer cures. HPV and hepatitis B vaccines are effective in preventing certain infections; they do not cure existing cancers or treat established infections.

Vaccination does not eliminate all risk of cancer. There are reasons other than the infections that the vaccine targets for which even vaccinated persons can develop cancer.

Screening still matters. Cervical cancer screening can find changes that can turn into cancer if not treated.. The right screening approach depends on age, medical history and applicable clinical guidance.

Medical advice still matters. Vaccine choice, timing, suitability and dose schedules can differ by age, previous vaccination, immune status and the product being considered.

The WHO cancer fact sheet also emphasises broader prevention and early detection as important ways to reduce the overall burden of cancer.

5. How Can Indian Families Take Practical Steps?

Families may start by checking vaccination records rather than assuming all recommended vaccines have been received.

Parents and caregivers can ask a qualified healthcare professional if HPV vaccination is right for the adolescents in the family. They also can verify if children were vaccinated against hepatitis B following the recommended schedule.

The decision to vaccinate or test adults without a reliable history of hepatitis B vaccination who may have missed doses or who have potential exposure risks can be discussed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can vaccines prevent cancer?

Certain vaccines can reduce the risk of certain cancers. HPV Vaccine May Help Prevent Cancers Caused by HPV The hepatitis B vaccine prevents infection with hepatitis B, which can cause liver cancer. Vaccines cannot prevent all cancers.

• Which vaccines help prevent cancer?

Examples include the HPV vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine. They are good for different reasons because they stop different viruses and the diseases that go with them.

• At what age should the HPV vaccine be given?

WHO recommends HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14 years, preferably before exposure to HPV. Ask a qualified health care professional for the proper schedule and eligibility of other age groups.

• Can the hepatitis B vaccine prevent liver cancer?

The hepatitis B vaccine prevents hepatitis B infection and thereby helps reduce the risk of liver cancer associated with chronic infection. It does not treat existing hepatitis B infection or liver cancer.

• Is cancer screening necessary after vaccination?

Yeah. Vaccination does not eliminate all risk of cancer. People should continue to follow appropriate screening recommendations, including cervical cancer screening when it is recommended.