Good to Know > 87% fall in Cervical Cancer cases through HPV Vaccines
Vaccines used to protect individuals against HPV (human papillomavirus) have led to a dramatic decline in cervical cancer cases. The first real-world data demonstrate a clear cut in the reported cases of cancer of the cervix in women by approximately 87%. With this, the researchers also suggested that people who have been vaccinated against HPV do not require “too-frequent” pap smear tests (regular cervical cancer screening tests).
Human papillomavirus is a virus that spreads from one person to the next and causes problems in the genitals, mouth, or throat. The infection caused by this virus can further be a cause of cervical and other cancers like cancer of the vagina, vulva, anus, back of the throat, or penis. There are nearly 100 varieties of HPV out of which 40 (or more) are transmitted through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sexual intercourse).
Since most cervical cancers are developed by this virus, HPV vaccines have come into action. By now, there are three such vaccines available (namely Gardasil and Gardasil 9 by MSD and Cervarix by GlaxoSmithKline). As per the studies and several post-marketing data, Gardasil 9 vaccine works to protect against the following:
Moreover, Gardasil prevents two types of HPV (types 16 and 18) whereas Cervarix prevents four types of HPV (types 6, 11, 16, and 18). Thus, no vaccine protects against all types of HPV. That means vaccination does not ensure full protection against the virus or cervical cancer. It lowers the chance of getting infected by human papillomavirus.
The HPV vaccines comprise tiny particles (proteins) that look the same as the outer portion of the human papillomavirus. None of these vaccines contain live viruses. When these particles enter the body, the immune system starts to produce antibodies against them. Thus, these vaccines stimulate the body’s defense system to fight against the same viruses in the future.
Furthermore, all HPV vaccines have demonstrated high efficacy in preventing infection caused by this virus. Clinical trials had been conducted to evaluate and verify the response of two-dose and three-dose schedules in individuals aged 9- through 14- or 15-years. The HPV vaccines received approvals from various ends after such a thorough evaluation.
Consult your doctor to know if you are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine or not.
Vaccines used to protect individuals against HPV (human papillomavirus) have led to a dramatic decline in cervical cancer
More InformationArechar Healthcare provides independent and precise information about prescription drugs with the related news and press releases. This content is displayed for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an alternative for any medical advice/prescription or treatment. Do not delay or ignore any medical treatment owing to something you’ve read or seen on this website. Also, this website offers links to other websites, enabling the viewers to directly switch to that website for detailed information or accurate references. Thus, Arechar is not responsible for the content displayed on the linked websites or the content of the links in the linked website.