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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes cervical cancer and genital warts. Three HPV vaccines (brand names: Gardasil, Gardasil-9, and Cervarix) are globally available to prevent infection with types of HPV known to cause cervical cancer. These vaccines are safe, and they reduce the incidence of cervical abnormalities (“pre-cancer”) that can lead to cancer.
Out of these three vaccines, Cervavac is made in India vaccine and equally effective as Gardasil. Both are 95-100% efficacious to provide protection against HPV 16 & 18 infection (if given before the HPV infection or starting of sexual activity). In short, HPV vaccine prevent cervical cancer because >83% cervical cancer associated with HPV 16 & 18 infection in Indian women. Additionally Gardasil provides protection against genital wards with efficacy of 99-100%. Nanovalent vaccine is not easily available in India. For more information watch this video on HPV Vaccine.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that is spread by skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. There are more than 100 types of HPV virus. Among them HPV 16 & 18 type virus are responsible for cervical cancer in more than 83% cases.
Maximum benefit of vaccination is achieved between 9 to 14 years of age in adolescent girls (as per American cancer society guidelines 2020).
Information about how long the vaccine protects against HPV infection is not available. However, there has been no evidence to suggest that the HPV vaccine loses any ability to provide protection over time.
As per guidelines, regular cervical cancer screening is generally recommended beginning at age 25 to 65 years of age .
However, getting the HPV vaccine does not mean that you can skip cervical cancer screening in the future. Cervical cancer screening is required because vaccine neither eliminates infections acquired prior to vaccination nor provides protection from uncommon type HPV virus infection.
Like any medicine, vaccine can have side effects. Side effects are mild and get better within 1-2 days. HPV vaccine dose not have effect on fertility of young girls.
Common side effects are
The vaccine is not currently recommended during pregnancy, although there are no known risks to a fetus if the vaccine is given
Studies have shown that:
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Thursday 11 AM to 2 PM
The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).There are over 100 different types of HPV;
however, most types of HPV do not cause cancer. In most cases, the body’s immune system clears the HPV virus infection before it does harm.
Cervical screening is procedure to detect potential cervical abnormalities or diseases by some test or examinations, in people who do not have any symptoms of disease.
In cervical cancer, there is interval of around 10 years from HPV infection to development of cervical cancer. In short, there is long period before cervical cancer development. Hence, regular check-up with screening test can detect cervical cancer in very early or precancerous stage. So, this will help your physician to provide better treatment in early stage of cancer.
There are two tests available for cervical cancer screening.
Sample collection technique is very easy & fast which may take around 3-5 minutes. It may be uncomfortable but usually it is not painful.
According to ACS (American Cancer society 2020) guideline,
After age 65 — Most experts feel that many people can stop having cervical cancer screening after the age of 65, though it depends on their risk factors.
Follow-up testing — If your Pap or HPV test results are abnormal, you may need follow-up testing; the best strategy will depend on several individual factors.