What Is Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a condition in which the cells in the lining of the cervix the narrow, outer end of the uterus change and grow very fast, producing a grouping of cells called a tumor. This condition usually develops over time. It can affect women of any age, but it is most common in women in their mid-40s. A type of virus, called HPV, is the cause of most cases of cervical cancer.
Can A Vaccine Help Prevent Hpv
Yes. Vaccines are available to help prevent infection by certain types of HPV and some of the cancers linked to those types. As of 2020, Gardasil 9 is the only HPV vaccine available in the United States. Other HPV vaccines are available outside the U.S.
All of these vaccines help prevent infection by HPV-16 and HPV-18. These 2 types cause most cervical cancers and pre-cancers, as well as many cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and throat.
Gardasil 9 helps prevent infection by 4 types of HPV , plus 5 other high risk types: 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. Together these types cause about 90% of cervical cancers.
How Gardasil 9 Is Given
You should get Gardasil 9 according to your doctor or healthcare providers instructions.
The Gardasil 9 vaccine is given by your doctor or pharmacist as either a two-shot or three-shot series. Whether you get two or three shots depends on your age, the time between each vaccination, and your doctors recommendation. The vaccine is given as a shot that goes into your muscle, usually in your upper arm.
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Alternatives To Gardasil 9
Gardasil 9 is currently the only vaccine approved in the United States to protect against certain diseases caused by human papillomavirus .
In the past, another vaccine called Cervarix was used to prevent two types of HPV . There was also an older version of Gardasil that protected against four types of HPV. Both of these vaccines have been discontinued and are unavailable in the United States. This is because Gardasil 9 is very effective, protects against the largest number of types of HPV, and can protect both men and women from HPV-related diseases.
What Hpv Testing Is Available
Men
HPV tests for men are not available, and most HPV infections clear on their own without causing problems. However, health problems caused by HPV, which can include genital warts, anal cancer, penile cancer or cancers of the head and neck, can be checked by visiting your doctor.
Women
Women can get HPV tests and/or Pap tests to determine whether they have an HPV infection that can lead to cancer. Both tests detect early health problems that can lead to cervical cancer, but neither checks for warning signs of other cancers, fertility or other STDs. Although both tests have a common goal, they do have their differences:
Pap test
- Recommended for women 21 and older.
- Involves scraping the cervix to identify any abnormal changes in cells of the cervix that could later develop into cancer.
- Results are typically reported as normal, unclear, or abnormal:
- Normal means that no changes were found in the cells
- Unclear indicates that the cells look like they could be abnormal
- Abnormal means that changes in cervical cells were found
HPV test
If both tests are normal, it is highly unlikely that serious cervical cell changes will develop in the next three years however, regular wellness visits should not be skipped.
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Who Can Be Given The Hpv Vaccine
The HPV vaccine works best if girls and boys get it before they come into contact with HPV.
That’s because the vaccine can only prevent an infection, it cannot rid the body of the virus once it has been caught.
The viruses are so widespread that immunisation has to be aimed at children before they become sexually active.
Gardasil 9 For Preventing Cervical Vulvar Vaginal And Anal Cancer Caused By Hpv
Gardasil 9 is FDA-approved to prevent several types of cancers that can be caused by the human papillomavirus . HPV is spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone whos infected with the virus. Even if a person doesnt show any symptoms, they may still be infected with HPV. According to the , HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
There are more than 100 types of HPV that can cause problems such as genital warts or cancer. Gardasil 9 protects against nine types. The vaccine contains proteins from each of these nine types of HPV.
The types of HPV that cause cancer are different from the types of HPV that cause genital warts. Gardasil 9 protects against HPV-related anal cancer in men and women. It also protects against the following types of HPV-related cancer in women:
- cervical cancer
- vulvar cancer
- vaginal cancer
These cancers can be caused by HPV type 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. After getting the vaccine, youd be protected from all of these types.
Effectiveness
Gardasil 9 has been found to be effective in preventing abnormal changes or cancer in the cervix, vulva, vagina, or anus. For information on how the drug performed in clinical studies, see Gardasil 9s prescribing information.
The recommends vaccinating children ages 9 through 12 years against HPV.
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What Are The Side Effects Of The Hpv Vaccine
Side effects that people get from the HPV vaccine usually are minor. They may include swelling or pain at the injection site, or feeling faint after getting the vaccine. As with other vaccines, there is a rare chance of an allergic reaction.
A few people have reported health problems after getting the shot. The FDA is monitoring the vaccine closely to make sure these are not caused by the vaccine itself.
Most people have no trouble with the vaccine. You can make fainting less likely by sitting down for 15 minutes after each shot.
Can I Get Gardasil 9 If I Have Hpv
Yes, you can receive the Gardasil 9 vaccine series even if you have HPV. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and Gardasil 9 protects against certain diseases caused by nine types. These nine types are the most common causes of HPV-related cancers or genital warts. If you have HPV, the vaccine will still help protect you from other types of HPV that you may become exposed to.
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What Does Hpv Stand For
HPV stands for human papillomavirus and is the name given to a large number of a very common group of viruses.
Human Papillomavirus is a viral infection thats passed between people through skin-to-skin contact.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV, more than 40 of which are passed through sexual contact and can affect your genitals, mouth, or throat.
The Vaccine Helps The Body Produce Antibodies To Fight Hpv
When the HPV vaccine is injected, your body will try to respond to it by making antibodies to fight the virus. Those antibodies will safeguard you against HPV infections.
In their preteen years, kids have a stronger immune response to the HPV vaccine. It is also more effective if the three-shot series, which is given over six months, is complete before children become sexually active.
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Concerns About Side Effects Of Immunisation
If a side effect following immunisation is unexpected, persistent or severe, or if you are worried aboutsomeones condition after a vaccination, see your doctor or immunisation nurse as soon as possibleor go directly to a hospital.
You can report immunisation side effects to SAEFVIC, the Victorian vaccine safety and central reportingservice. In other states or territories, you can discuss with your immunisation provider how to reportadverse events.
It is important to seek medical advice for anyone who is unwell after vaccination, as this may be due toother illness rather than because of the vaccination.
Men Get Cancers Caused By Hpv In Large Numbers Too
From 2013 to 2017, there were approximately 25,000 cases of HPV-associated cancers in women and 19,000 in men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than four out of every ten cases of cancer caused by HPV are in men.
HPV should be of concern to all since men and women are affected virtually the same by this virus, says Abraham Aragones, an MSK physician who also studies public health.
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Opposition To The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
The segments of society that oppose the use of an HPV vaccine present several reasons. I limited my analysis to 2 general yet important rationales for opposing a compulsory vaccination program. The first arises from the strong association of HPV with sexual contact, in contrast to contagious diseases such as polio that are usually associated with casual contact. A major consequence of the association of HPV with sexual contact has been that opposition groups link concerns about preventing morbidity and mortality with concerns about morality regarding sexual behavior, especially among youths. This relationship between HPV infection and its mode of transmission has led some parents and conservative groups to resist having their children vaccinated by mandatory or voluntary means because they believe that exposing children to an HPV vaccine will increase sexual activity among youths, undermine family values forbidding premarital sexual relationships and promoting abstinence, and create a false sense of security about being protected from sexually transmitted infections . In place of a vaccination program, these groups advocate abstinence education and better communication between parents and children to foster family values that prohibit premarital sexual relationships.
How Widespread Is The Rollout Of The Hpv Vaccine Around The World
Almost 90% of cervical cancer deaths are in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization .
In these countries, cervical cancer is often not identified until it has further advanced and symptoms develop.
Last year, the WHO announced plans to eliminate the disease“within the next century” by achieving 90% coverage for HPV vaccination by 2030.
Over a hundred countries have now introduced HPV vaccination.
However, as of 2020, less than 25% of low-income and under 30% of lower middle-income countries had introduced the vaccine, compared with 85% of high-income countries.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Africa, but it is the deadliest, the WHO says.
Inadequate screening programmes, limited access to treatment services and vaccine hesitancy all contribute to this.
Rwanda was one of the first countries in Africa to introduce a vaccination campaign. It launched a plan in 2011 to get girls vaccinated early and to introduce cervical screening for women.
In the first year it reached nine out 10 girls eligible for the vaccine, a result that experts cite as a model for other countries.
However, HPV vaccine rates remain low even in some developed countries, partly due to misinformation that it could cause infertility. Currently, less than 0.1% of eligible Japanese women get vaccinated.
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How Is The Hpv Vaccine Made
The HPV vaccine is made using a protein that resides on the surface of the virus. The protein is grown in the lab in yeast cells. Once the protein is grown, it assembles itself to look like the HPV virus however, importantly, it does not contain HPV genetic material, so it cant reproduce itself or cause illness. The vaccine is composed of the surface protein from nine different types of HPV.
How Long Does It Take To Work
Typically, your body starts building up an immunity about 2 weeks after you get a vaccine. Therefore, Gardasil 9 will start working in your body within a couple weeks of getting the vaccine. In clinical studies, people who received Gardasil 9 had evidence of immune system cells that fight HPV by 1 month after their last dose.
Its important to complete the vaccine series of two to three doses. Although the vaccine starts to build immunity in your body after one dose, the second doses build up your immunity even more. Youll be the most protected by getting the two-dose or three-dose series thats recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
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Hpv Vaccination Is Preventing Cancer
HPV infections and cervical precancers have dropped since 2006, when HPV vaccines were first used in the United States.
- Among teen girls, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 88 percent.
- Among young adult women, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 81 percent.
- Among vaccinated women, the percentage of cervical precancers caused by the HPV types most often linked to cervical cancer has dropped by 40 percent.
Testing For Human Papillomavirus
HPV testing is part of cervical screening. There’s no blood test for HPV.
During cervical screening, a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and tested for HPV.
Screening is offered to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. It helps protect them against cervical cancer.
Some sexual health clinics may offer anal screening to men with a higher risk of developing anal cancer, such as men who have sex with men.
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What Is Human Papillpoma Virus
HPV stands for human papilloma virus. It is a very common virus. There are about 100 types of HPV that affect different parts of the body. About 30 types of HPV can affect the genitals including the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis and scrotum as well as the rectum and anus. Of those, about 14 types are considered “high risk,” for leading to cervical cancer.
Male pelvic anatomy
Are The Vaccines Safe
Yes. Vaccines for childhood diseases are very safe. Sometimes, a vaccine will cause mild side effects like a sore arm/leg or low fever. A bad side effect is not likely to happen. Childhood diseases are a greater health risk to children than the vaccines. Ask your healthcare provider to tell you about risks and side effects.
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Can Human Papilloma Virus Be Prevented
Using condoms correctly every time you have sex can help reduce the risk of HPV. You should be aware, however, that condoms do not cover all of the genital skin, so they are not 100 percent effective in protecting against the spread of HPV. A person with genital warts should not have sex until the warts are removed. This might help reduce the risk of spreading HPV.
Here are some other ways of reducing the risk of HPV:
- Women should have regular Pap tests to look for abnormal changes in the cervix that might be pre-cancer.
- Men and women should stop having sexual contact as soon as they know or think they have genital warts, and they should seek treatment immediately.
- Get vaccinated with one of the three available HPV vaccines. Gardasil® and Gardasil9® protect against the development of cervical cancer and genital warts. They are approved for girls and women ages 9 to 26, as well as for boys and men ages 9 to 26 to protect against genital warts. The third vaccine, called Cervarix®, is approved for women only to protect against cervical cancer .
It is best to get the vaccine before the start of sexual activity. The vaccine consists of a series of three shots, with the second shot coming two months after the first, and the third coming six months after the first. If you already have HPV, the vaccine does not treat or cure, but can still help protect against other types of HPV infections.
Monitoring For Possible Side Effects
Like all vaccines, even old vaccines approved many years ago, the HPV vaccines are continuously monitored for side effects. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration review all serious side effects reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System to watch for potential safety concerns that may need further study.
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How To Protect Yourself Against Human Papillomavirus
You cannot fully protect yourself against HPV, but there are things that can help.
- Condoms can help protect you against HPV, but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals, so you’re not fully protected.
- The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cases of genital warts and cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers. It does not protect against all types of HPV.
Gardasil 9 And Children
recommends the Gardasil 9 vaccine for children ages 11 or 12 years old.
Vaccinating children at a young age helps make sure theyre protected against the types of HPV that Gardasil prevents before they become sexually active.
According to the CDC , HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. By immunizing your child, theyll be protected from HPV-related changes in the cervix, vagina, vulva, or anus. Theyll also be protected from genital warts caused by the types of HPV prevented by the vaccine.
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Who Is Eligible For The Free Hpv Vaccine
In Victoria, the HPV vaccine is available for free to all adolescents in year seven of secondaryschool under the National Immunisation Program. The two-dose course of the vaccineis given at school. It can also be given by a local doctor or at a council immunisation session. Contactyour state or territory health department for more information about HPV vaccination at your school.
People under 20 years of age who missed the vaccine at secondary school can access free catch-updoses at their local doctor or at a community immunisation session. From 15 years of age theGardasil®9 vaccine is given as a three-dose course.
- Find my local council
- Find my nearest immunisationprovider
People from 20 years of age are not eligible for free vaccination through the National Immunisation Program, so they will have to pay for thevaccine. The HPV vaccine is licensed for males aged 9 to 26 years and females aged 9 to 45 years.