Rising number of cancer cases a cause for concern, says Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launches HPV vaccination campaign amid rising cancer cases in Andhra Pradesh, targeting 3.45 lakh girls.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday launched the National HPV Vaccination campaign for prevention of cervical cancer, at Ravivalasa village of Cheepurupalli Assembly constituency in Vizianagaram district.

Addressing a large gathering after launching the programme, Mr. Naidu expressed concern over rising number of cancer cases in the State.

He said cancer cases in Andhra Pradesh increased from 29,379 in 2021 to 32,657 in 2025. “On an average, when one lakh people are screened, 15 to 20 individuals are found to have cancer symptoms,” he said. While cervical and breast cancers were more prevalent among women, oral cancer was commonly seen in men.

To curb cervical cancer among women, both the Central and State governments had undertaken the responsibility of administering the HPV vaccine.

In the first phase in Andhra Pradesh, as many as 3,45,377 girls, aged between 14 and 15, would be vaccinated. In Vizianagaram district alone, 11,985 girls would receive the vaccine, he said.

The Chief Minister added that the government established 1,645 cold chain points across the State and deployed about 16,912 staff to implement the vaccination drive, which was targeted to be completed in three months.