The biggest cause of cervical cancer, which is almost 100% curable if diagnosed early, is the HPV virus. Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Dr. Çiğdem Yayla Abide, about the HPV vaccine, which significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer; “Many women think that it is too late for the HPV vaccine and that the vaccine can only be received at a very young age. “There is no final age limit for the HPV vaccine,” she says.
While it does not cause any problems or symptoms in some individuals, HPV causes genital warts in others and can turn into cancer if left untreated for many years. As a result of epidemiological research in the last 10 years, HPV is the most common and widespread sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Underlining that although it is a very common disease, many people do not know that they have HPV, Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Dr. Çiğdem Yayla Abide states that Pap Smear and HPV DNA screening tests should be performed regularly. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of sexually active men and women will have at least one HPV infection by the age of 45. While HPV can cause cervical cancer, it can also cause vulva, vagina, anal cancer, and even oropharynx (mouth, pharynx, larynx) and skin cancer.
According to the data of the World Health Organization, it is estimated that 625,600 women and 69,400 men in the world are diagnosed with HPV-related cancer every year. Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer and deaths from cancer in women in 2020. Monument; “Although cervical cancer is very common, it is expected to be eradicated in the coming years with many precautions. The World Health Organization is working very hard on this issue. "Vaccination and screening programs are very important to achieve this goal," he says. HPV vaccine is one of the factors that significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Vaccination before exposure to HPV provides the broadest protection.
Abide said, “Many women think that it is too late for the HPV vaccine and that the vaccine can only be taken at very young or childhood ages. In some countries, the vaccine is recommended for all individuals, male and female, aged 9 and over (without an upper age limit), while in some countries it is recommended for individuals aged 9-45. The most effective age range is stated to be under 26 years of age. "Vaccination is recommended regardless of age for people who are at high risk of recurrence after treatment due to HPV-related disease and immune deficiency," he says.
The vaccine is given in 2 doses until the age of 15, and after the age of 15; Stating that it is given in 3 doses, namely the 0th, 2nd and 6th months, Abide states that studies have proven the permanent effectiveness of the vaccine for more than 10 years in vaccinated women between the ages of 27-45.
VACCINE CAN WORK EVEN IF YOU HAVE THE HPV VIRUS
There are more than 200 types of HPV viruses detected, the most common and low-risk types are known as HPV 6 and 11. Among these 200 types of HPV viruses, two in particular are held responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancer; HPV 16 and 18 viruses.
There are 3 types of HPV vaccines administered in our country; Double vaccine that protects against 16, 18 viruses, quadruple vaccine that protects against 6, 11, 16, 18 viruses, and nine vaccine that protects against 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 viruses. The nine-valent vaccine, which has the broadest scope and highest protection, is the most recommended vaccine.
Stating that many people infected with the HPV virus apply for vaccination, Abide said; “Vaccines are not useful in treating lesions because the purpose of the vaccine is to interfere with the virus before it enters the cell. However, in some cases, the vaccine is protective. For example, if type 16 is positive, we recommend that the vaccine be given as it may provide protection against the type 18 virus. "In other words, if you have not caught a virus contained in the vaccine, the vaccine will protect you against it."
Abide stated that one of the frequently asked questions about the vaccine is side effects; “The vaccine has no serious side effects proven so far. "Since the vaccine does not contain any live virus or DNA from the virus, it does not cause cancer or other HPV-related diseases."
