According to a new study, there have been no cases of cervical cancer found in young women who have been fully vaccinated as part of the HPV program.
The study by Public Health Scotland (PHS) found that the HPV (human papillomavirus virus) vaccine was “highly effective” at stopping the cancer from happening.
HPV is an STD that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common type of cancer in women around the world.
The vaccination program began in 2008, with girls 12 or 13 years old in their first year of high school getting the shot.
The shot, which is now given to boys, also helps protect them from other cancers linked to HPV later in life, like genital warts and cancers of the head, neck, and anogenital areas.
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
- HPV is the name given to a common group of viruses. There are more than 100 varieties of HPV.
- Many women will be infected with HPV throughout their lifetime without any adverse effects.
- In the great majority of instances, there will be no symptoms and the infection will resolve itself, but in certain circumstances, chronic infection can develop into cervical illness.
- Some kinds of HPV are high risk because they have been associated with the development of certain malignancies.
- Almost all cervical cancers (99.7%) are caused by infection with a high-risk HPV.
- Many HPV kinds affect the mouth, throat, and genital region. HPV is easily transmitted through sexual contact.
It is Possible to Turn Cervical Cancer Into a Rare Illness
Cervical cancer is the most frequent malignancy among women aged 25 to 35 in Scotland.
Approximately 300 women in Scotland are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.
Screening is available to all women aged 25 to 64.
Public Health Scotland conducted research in collaboration with the Universities of Strathclyde and Edinburgh, and the results cover every woman in Scotland who is eligible for the cervical cancer screening program.
The findings were reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Kirsty Roy, a specialist in health protection at PHS, stated, “It demonstrates how successful the HPV vaccination is, as there have been no cervical cancer cases to yet in fully vaccinated women who received their first dose at the age of 12-13 years.
“Vaccination against HPV is shown to be effective in preventing cervical cancer, and along with regular screening for early detection and treatment, it is possible to make cervical cancer a rare disease.”
This year’s HPV vaccine scheme is already underway in schools.