CERVICAL CANCER VACCINE – Kill it before it kills you

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the narrow opening into the uterus from the vagina.

What are the causes of cervical cancer?

Most cervical cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. More than 70 percent of cervical cancer cases can be attributed to two types of the virus, HPV-16 and HPV-18, often referred to as high-risk HPV types.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Precancerous cervical cell changes and early cancers of the cervix generally do not cause symptoms. Possible symptoms of more advanced disease may include abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, or vaginal discharge.

How to treat cervical cancer?

Widespread immunization with the HPV vaccine could reduce the impact of cervical cancer worldwide.

What is the role of HPV vaccine?

This vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if given before a girl or woman is exposed to the virus. In addition, this vaccine can prevent vaginal and vulvar cancer in women, and can prevent genital warts and anal cancer in women and men.

Does HPV vaccine contains any live virus?

No. HPV vaccine contains a virus like particles, but not the virus itself.

How HPV vaccine is administered?

HPV vaccines is administered intramuscularly in the deltoid region of the upper arm or in the higher outer area of the thigh. The preferred site of administration is the deltoid region of the upper arm.

Who is the HPV vaccine for?

For girls and boys ages 11 or 12, although some organizations recommend starting the vaccine as early as age 9 or 10.

When the HPV vaccine should be given?

It’s ideal for girls and boys to receive the vaccine before they have sexual contact and are exposed to HPV because once someone is infected with the virus, the vaccine might not be as effective or might not work at all.

Who should not take the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine isn’t recommended for pregnant women or people who are moderately or severely ill.