Vaccination For Cervical Cancer

Vaccination For Cervical Cancer

“Cervical cancer is predominantly caused by human papilloma virus”

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in India, with

approximately 1.32 lakh new cases being diagnosed and about 74,000 deaths every year.

Cervical cancer is predominantly caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), a common viral

infection, accounting for most cancer deaths in Indian women and the second most

common cancer in women worldwide. The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable

and curable if detected early.

Cervical Cancer And Its Symptoms

Cervical cancer occurs sequentially from abnormal cells which progress to grow out of

control. When symptoms appear, the disease is usually in its advanced stage. The most

common symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, unexpected bleeding, bleeding

after menopause and pain during sexual intercourse. Having multiple sexual partners,

smoking and long term usage of contraceptive pills are the major reasons contributing to

the disease.

Vaccine:

Cervical cancer can be prevented if the vaccination is given before the person is exposed to

the virus. If boys are given this vaccination, it helps protect girls from the virus. The

recommended age for the vaccination in boys and girls is 11-12 years of age but the

vaccination is also given as early as age 9. However, it is recommended for women to get

this vaccine at 26 years of age.

Though the vaccination helps prevent cervical cancer, it is not recommended for pregnant

women. It is also better for people who are severely or moderately ill not to take this

vaccine. The vaccination prevents appearance of genital warts in women. HPV helps prevent

the spread of infection and prevents vulvar and vaginal cancer. Get a pap test done at

Apollo clinics to rule out the chance of cervical cancer.

The latest recommendations from the American Cancer Society for cervical cancer

screening

All women should begin cervical cancer screening at age 21.

Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should get a Pap test done every 3 years.

They should not be tested for HPV unless it is needed after an abnormal Pap test

result.

Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have both a Pap test and an HPV test

every 5 years. This is the preferred approach, but it is also alright to have a Pap test

alone every 3 years.

Women over age 65 who have had regular screenings with normal results should not

be screened for cervical cancer. Women who have been diagnosed with cervical pre-

cancer should continue to be screened.

Prevention is always better than cure and it is important to get your vaccination to

protect yourself from cervical cancer.

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