Yes, some vaccines reduce the risk of particular cancers by preventing infections that can cause them. HPV vaccination and hepatitis B vaccination are established examples. Neither is a vaccine against every cancer, and neither substitutes for care when an infection or tumour is already present.
Find out what protection you already have
Start with your vaccination record, or your child’s record, rather than booking an unfamiliar “cancer vaccine”. Ask the clinic to identify previous doses, any gaps and the schedule that applies to your age and health. A missing record is a reason to seek advice, not to assume that you are fully protected or need every dose again.
HPV: preventing a future infection
Persistent infection with certain human papillomavirus types can lead to cervical cancer and several other cancers. HPV vaccines target important cancer-causing types and work best before exposure. They cannot remove an infection that is already there or treat existing precancer. The vaccines contain no live HPV and cannot cause HPV infection.
WHO prioritises vaccination for girls aged 9–14. India’s February 2026 national programme announcement targeted 14-year-old girls, with free vaccination at designated government facilities and routine immunisation-day access after the initial campaign. Check current sessions locally. People outside that programme, including boys and older adolescents or adults, should ask about locally approved options and likely benefit. Immune suppression can affect the dose schedule.
Vaccination does not remove the need for recommended cervical screening. The two approaches act at different stages: vaccination helps avoid infection, while screening identifies changes that may need further assessment or treatment.
Hepatitis B: protection begins at birth
Long-term hepatitis B infection can damage the liver and cause liver cancer. WHO recommends giving newborns the first hepatitis B vaccine dose within 24 hours, followed by the remaining scheduled doses. Adults with incomplete or uncertain records can discuss vaccination and whether testing is appropriate.
Pregnancy is an important opportunity to plan. Ask whether hepatitis B testing has been done and how the maternity team will arrange the baby’s timely vaccination. If infection is identified, additional measures, including preventive antiviral treatment in eligible pregnancies, may be needed. The mother’s own liver health also requires assessment.
Know where vaccination stops
There is currently no hepatitis C vaccine. Avoiding shared injection equipment and ensuring safe medical procedures remain important. Hepatitis C can usually be cured with antiviral medicines; hepatitis B also has treatments that can reduce complications. Anyone with an established infection needs a care plan rather than relying on vaccination.
Before leaving the appointment, write down the vaccine offered, the next dose date if needed, and any screening or test follow-up. A clear record makes preventive care easier to complete.
Featured artwork: AI-generated for EndYourIllness, 2026. This educational illustration does not depict a real patient.
References
- WHO: Cervical Cancer
- India Ministry of Health: Nationwide HPV Vaccination Programme, 27 February 2026
- WHO: Human Papillomavirus and Cancer
- WHO: Hepatitis B
- WHO: Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B
- WHO: Hepatitis C
