Cervical Cancer Prevention: The Role of the HPV Vaccine
Cervical cancer is the fourth most
common cancer in women worldwide, with an estimated 570,000 new cases and
311,000 deaths in 2018 alone. In India, it is the second most common cancer
among women, accounting for approximately 122,000 new cases and 67,000 deaths
each year. However, the good news is that cervical cancer is highly
preventable, and one of the most effective ways to prevent it is through the
use of the HPV vaccine.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a
common virus that can cause several types of cancers, including cervical
cancer. It is transmitted through sexual contact and is so common that almost
all sexually active individuals will contract it at some point in their lives.
While most HPV infections clear up on their own, some can persist and lead to
the development of cervical cancer.
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This is where the HPV vaccine comes
in. The HPV vaccine is a safe and highly effective way to protect against the
types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. It works by stimulating the
body's immune system to produce antibodies that fight against the virus,
preventing it from causing an infection.
The World Health Organization
recommends that girls aged 9-14 years receive two doses of the HPV vaccine,
with a six-month interval between doses. Girls who are 15 years or older and
women who have not been vaccinated should receive three doses of the vaccine
over six months. It is also recommended for boys and men up to the age of 26 to
receive the vaccine to protect against other types of HPV that can cause
genital warts and other cancers, including anal, penile, and throat cancers.
The HPV vaccine has been proven to be
safe and effective in numerous studies and has been approved by regulatory
bodies in more than 100 countries. However, there are still some misconceptions
and myths surrounding the vaccine, which may deter people from getting
vaccinated. Some believe that the vaccine can cause fertility problems or that
it promotes promiscuity. However, these claims have been debunked by scientific
evidence, and the vaccine has been shown to be safe and does not increase risky
sexual behavior.
As a gynaecologist in Bhopal, I have seen firsthand the
devastating effects of cervical cancer on women and their families. It is
heartbreaking to see young women lose their lives to a preventable disease.
That is why I strongly recommend the HPV vaccine to all my patients and urge
parents to get their children vaccinated at the recommended age.
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