FICCI FLO Pune, Ayugen Biosciences, and Roche Diagnostics Unite for ‘Shield Her Future
PUNE: FICCI FLO Pune, in collaboration with Ayugen Biosciences and Roche Diagnostics, organized Shield Her Future – Cervical Forum 2025, a dedicated awareness program focusing on cervical cancer prevention, diagnosis, and early screening.
The event featured esteemed medical professionals and public health leaders, with Dr. Gauravi Mishra, Deputy Director of the Center for Cancer Epidemiology at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, as the Guest of Honour. Anita Agarwal, Chairperson, FICCI FLO Pune, and Manish Punglia, Director, AyuGen Biosciences, along with other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
The second half of the program featured a powerful panel discussion moderated by Dr. Sandeep Sewlikar, Head of Medical Affairs, Roche Diagnostics. Panelists included Dr. Harshad Parasnis, Gynecological Oncologist, Dr. Milind Dugad, Past Vice President, POGS, Dr. Aarti Nimkar, Past President, POGS, and Manish Punglia, Molecular Genomics Expert
Dr. Mishra emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “We know the exact cause of cervical cancer and how to diagnose and prevent it. Yet India bears one-fifth of the global burden, with over 1.3 lakh women diagnosed annually—many at advanced stages. This is a cancer that is both preventable and curable if detected early.”
She highlighted that persistent infection with high-risk oncogenic HPV is the only cause. The symptoms that may arise at a later stage include bleeding between two periods and that too frequently, bleeding after sexual intercourse, post menopausal bleeding or spotting, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, etc. Dr. Mishra also advocated for routine screening beginning at age 30, noting that pre-cancerous stages can be identified and treated effectively.
Dr. Aarti Nimkar stressed the importance of shifting perceptions: “We must overcome the myth that cervical cancer cannot be treated. With timely screening and treatment, cervical cancer can be treated .”
Dr. Meenu Agarwal emphasized the need for regular checkups.
Elaborating on symptoms in later stages, Dr. Milind Dugad said that when HPV is persistent, it may not give any signs; therefore, it is important to do screening, especially after the age of 30 years, even if they have taken vaccines.
Talking about the guidelines, Dr.Harshad Parasnis said that screening methods are available, such as a Pap test, where we pick up the changes in the cells, whether mild, moderate, or severe. The other test is where we pick up the virus, and that is known as the HPV test.
Manish Punglia, Director AyuGen, echoed these sentiments: “In an age of medical and technological advancement, it is unacceptable that cervical cancer still claims so many lives. This forum is not just about creating awareness, but about driving the message that cervical cancer is preventable.”