A dreaded disease

Cancer. A disease feared by one and all. In any form or shape. It comes as a devastating blow. Cancer can affect any part of the body with Cervical Cancer being one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. However. the good news with Cervical Cancer is that it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer due to the availability of vaccines targeting its primary cause—Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Popularising and ensuring this vaccination can help in reducing the burden of this disease globally.

Cervical Cancer: A brief overview

HPV is one of the primary causes of Cervical Cancer. It occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) begin to grow uncontrollably, which is usually the result of persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV, a group of more than 200 related viruses.

Let’s talk about HPV. It is a fact that many types of HPV are harmless but certain strains, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, are devastating and responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. These high-risk HPV types cause precancerous changes in the cervix, known as cervical dysplasia, which may progress into cancer if left untreated.

It must be kept in mind that cervical cancer is not sudden and, in many cases, develops slowly over the years. In that case, regular screening (such as the Pap smear) is crucial as precancerous changes can potentially be detected before they turn into cancer. However, it is regrettable that early detection is not always available or possible in low-resource areas.

The Role of HPV in Cervical Cancer

As mentioned earlier, HPV which is a sexually transmitted infection is one of the causes of Cervical Cancer. Like it or not, most sexually active individuals will contract it at some point in their lives. However, in majority of the cases the immune system clears the infection without any health problems. However, in some women, persistent HPV infections can cause the cervical cells to undergo abnormal changes, leading to cancer development years later.

HPV is also associated with some other cancers, including those of the vulva, vagina, anus, and throat.

HPV Vaccination: Saving lives

In a scenario such as this, the introduction of the HPV vaccine is a game-changer. Vaccines can protect against the most dangerous HPV strains (including HPV-16 and HPV-18), significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.

There are a few things to keep in mind that make the vaccines more effective. Firstly, it is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, which is why it is recommended for preteens, typically around ages 11-12. However, the vaccine can still provide benefits for individuals up to age 26, and some guidelines even suggest it for individuals aged 27-45, particularly those who have not been previously vaccinated or are at higher risk for HPV-related cancers.

The vaccine is administered as a series of shots, usually two or three, depending on the age at which the first dose is received. It is safe and effective with no significant long-term side effects.

Impact of HPV Vaccination

The utility and effectiveness of HPV vaccinations is undeniable. Widespread HPV vaccination programmes have already demonstrated significant reductions in HPV infections, genital warts, and cervical precancers.

The HPV vaccination has the potential to reduce the overall burden of cervical cancer globally. By preventing HPV infections, it can play a crucial role in ending cervical cancer. Indeed, vaccination, combined with regular screening and education, can save innumerable lives and eliminate cervical cancer as a global health threat.