The biggest cause of cervical cancer, whose treatment is close to one hundred per cent in early diagnosis, is the HPV virus. Gynaecology 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 HPV vaccination and that the vaccine can only be given at a very young age. There is no final age limit for HPV vaccination,’ he says.
HPV, which does not cause any problems and symptoms in some individuals, causes genital warts in others, and can turn into cancer if left untreated for many years, is the most common and common sexually transmitted infection worldwide as a result of epidemiological research in the last 10 years. 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 per cent of sexually active women and men will get at least one HPV infection by the age of 45. HPV can cause cervical cancer as well as vulva, vagina, anal cancer, even oropharynx (mouth, pharynx, larynx) and skin cancer.
According to the World Health Organisation, it is estimated that 625,600 women and 69,400 men in the world are infected with HPV-related cancer each year. Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths in women in 2020. Abide; "Although cervical cancer is very common, it is expected to be eradicated in the coming years with many measures. The World Health Organisation is working very hard on this issue. Vaccination and screening programmes are very important to achieve this goal.’ HPV vaccine is one of the factors that significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Vaccination before exposure to HPV provides the widest protection. Abide; ‘Many women think that it is too late for HPV vaccination and that the vaccine can only be given at a very young or child age. In some countries, the vaccine is recommended for all individuals aged 9 years and over (without upper age limit), while in some countries it is recommended for individuals aged 9-45 years. The most effective age range is stated as under 26 years of age. Vaccination is recommended regardless of age for people who are at high risk of relapse after treatment due to HPV-related disease and immune deficiency.’
Stating that the vaccine is administered in 2 doses until the age of 15, and after the age of 15; Abide states that the vaccine is administered in 3 doses, 0., 2., and 6. months, and that studies have proven the permanent effectiveness of the vaccine for more than 10 years in women vaccinated between the ages of 27-45.
THE VACCINE MAY 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 responsible for 70 per cent of cervical cancer; HPV 16 and 18 viruses.
There are 3 types of HPV vaccines applied in our country; dual vaccine that provides protection against 16, 18 viruses , quadrivalent vaccine that provides protection against 6, 11, 16, 18 viruses and nine vaccines that provide protection against 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 viruses. The nine-valent vaccine, which has the widest coverage and the highest protection, is the most recommended vaccine.
Stating that many people with HPV virus have applied for vaccination , Abide; ‘Vaccines are not useful in treating lesions because the purpose of the vaccine is to intervene before the virus enters the cell. However, in some cases, the vaccine is protective. For example, if type 16 is positive, we recommend that it be done because the vaccine can protect against type 18 virus. In other words, if you have not contracted a virus contained in the vaccine, the vaccine protects you against it.’
Stating that one of the most frequently asked questions about the vaccine is the side effect, Abide; ‘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.’
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