About the HPV vaccine used against cervical cancer
The HPV vaccine is a vaccine that provides protection against the virus known as human papillomavirus, which is present in almost all cases of cervical cancer. Research shows that the HPV vaccine prevents high-risk infection and cervical cancer by nearly 90 percent.
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HPV (human papillomavirus) is the name of a very common group of viruses.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV, and infections usually do not cause any symptoms, but some types can cause warts. These can be seen on the hands, feet, genitals, or inside the mouth.
However, in most cases, people's bodies clear the virus without them even realizing they were infected.
High-risk HPV types, on the other hand, can lead to abnormal tissue growth that can cause cancer, particularly in the cervix and other genital areas.
This virus increases the risk of developing certain cancers later in life.
HOW DOES IT PROVIDE PROTECTION?
Cervical cancer develops in the area where the vagina enters the uterus (the cervix).
99 percent of cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with high-risk HPV, a highly common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
Although most HPV infections resolve on their own and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer in women.
The vaccine helps protect against becoming infected by HPV.
Research shows that the vaccine provides protection against HPV infection for at least 10 years, and experts believe the protection may last even longer.
The first major study on the subject showed that the vaccine is highly effective and reduced cervical cancer cases by approximately 90 percent.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in women.
In 2020, an estimated 604,000 women worldwide were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and approximately 342,000 women lost their lives to this disease.
Approximately 90 percent of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
IS HPV SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED?
HPV is highly contagious and spreads through close skin-to-skin contact.
80 percent of people are exposed to HPV by the age of 25. In most cases, people remain infected for 18 months to 2 years.
Technically, unlike diseases such as gonorrhea, it is not a sexually transmitted disease because it is not spread through sexual fluids.
However, because it is transmitted through touch, it is usually transmitted during sexual contact.
The HPV vaccine does not provide protection against other sexually transmitted infections.
HOW MANY HPV VACCINES ARE THERE?
According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, there were 6 HPV vaccines available worldwide in 2023.
All of these provide protection against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers.
ABOUT THE VACCINE DOSAGE...
HPV vaccines should primarily be administered to all girls before they become sexually active.
According to WHO recommendations, the vaccine can be given in 1 or 2 doses.
1 and 2 doses for girls in the 9-14 age group
1 or 2 doses for the 15-20 age group
It is recommended that 2 doses be administered 6 months apart for women over 21.
People with weakened immune systems should ideally receive 2 or 3 doses.
Some countries also vaccinate boys to further reduce the prevalence of HPV in the community and to prevent cancers caused by HPV in men.
WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN TURKEY?
In Turkey, the HPV vaccine is not included in the national vaccination program. Campaigns are being conducted for free HPV vaccination.
However, the Ministry of Health states that, in accordance with the National Cancer Screening Program, HPV and Pap tests are performed every 5 years for women between the ages of 30 and 65.
The HPV test is a test based on the detection of the virus in cervical cells that could cause cellular changes in the cervix.
The Pap smear test is a test based on searching for precancerous conditions (cell changes in the cervix) that could turn into cervical cancer if not treated appropriately.
Both tests are simple and painless and can be performed at the same time.