By Sidra Khalid
Vaccines are one of the ways we can prevent cancer. Particularly for cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are an important preventative measure.
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection. It causes anogenital and oropharyngeal (head and neck) disease in men and women. The HPV virus also is associated with:
- cervical cancer
- vulvar cancer
- vaginal cancer
- oropharynx cancers
- anal cancer
- penile cancer
- dysplastic lesions
- genital warts
HPV infection is spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity and can be asymptomatic. In about 10 to 20 percent of women, the infection does not resolve, which can lead to pre-cancer and cancerous conditions. It typically takes a new HPV virus about 20 to 25 years to develop cervical cancer.
HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70 percent of all cervical cancers, and HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 cause an additional 20 percent of cervical cancers. HPV types 16 and 18 also cause nearly 90 percent of anal cancers and a substantial proportion of vaginal, vulvar and oropharyngeal cancers.
ABOUT THE VACCINE
Gardasil-9 is the HPV vaccine available in the United States. It has the HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.
Here are some more facts about this vaccine:
Vaccination is recommended at 11-12 years old. It can be started as early as age 9.
The schedule per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is:
A two-dose series is recommended for those who get the first dose before their 15th birthday. In a two-dose series, the second dose should be given six to 12 months after the first dose.
A three-dose schedule is recommended for those who get the first dose on or after their 15th birthday and for people with certain immunocompromising conditions. In a three-dose series, the second dose should be given one to two months after the first dose, and the third dose should be given six months after the first dose.
KEEP UP WITH REGULAR SCREENINGS
HPV infection is not treatable; hence prevention is key. Based on clinical data, the vaccine protection lasts for 10 years or more. It is imperative to discuss the HPV vaccine with your healthcare provider. Along with the HPV vaccine, it is important to follow up with your primary care provider about cancer screening.
- The screening recommendations for cervical cancer are as follows:
- Screening age: from 21 to 65 years.
- Those ages 21-29 should receive a pap smear every three years.
Those age 30 and above should receive a pap smear every three years, or primary HPV testing alone every five years or co-testing (pap smear and HPV testing) every five years.
Please note that even if you are vaccinated against HPV, cervical cancer screening is still required.
Dr. Sidra Khalid is a physician with Memorial Physician Clinics seeing patients in hematology and medical oncology. Reach her at (228) 575-1234.
