Recent research brings promising news regarding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine, Cervarix. Evidence suggests that the vaccine significantly minimizes the risk of cervical cancer among vaccinated women. The findings are of particular significance, given that the vaccine was introduced in the 2000s, and only recent studies confirm its effectiveness against cancer.
Crucial Findings on HPV Vaccine’s Role in Cancer Prevention
Reports suggest the HPV vaccine reduced cervical cancer cases by 87% among women who received the vaccine at ages 12 or 13 in the U.K. Furthermore, it lowered the risk by 34% among women aged 16-18 years when offered the jab. Since 2006, the vaccine has prevented around 450 cervical cancers and about 17,200 instances of precancerous conditions over an 11-year span.
Understanding Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells of the cervix – the structure connecting the lower part of the uterus to the vagina. Various strains of HPV are associated with most cervical cancers. Although the body’s immune system usually combats HPV, in a small percentage of people, the virus perseveres for years, influencing some cervical cells to transform into cancer cells. The HPV vaccine Cervarix offers protection against two cancer-causing strains – HPV 16 and 18.
What is HPV?
HPV is the most commonly contracted viral infection of the reproductive tract. There exist more than 100 types of HPV, with over 40 of these spread through direct sexual contact. While two cause genital warts, around a dozen types of HPV lead to various kinds of cancer including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar and vaginal.
Types of HPV Vaccines
The HPV vaccines can be categorized into three types: the Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil) protects against four types of HPV including 16, 18, 6 and 11, with the latter two causing genital warts. The Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix) guards against HPV 16 and 18. The Nonavalent vaccine (Gardasil 9) defends against nine HPV strains.
India’s Scenario
Representing 16-17% of the world’s population, India contributes 27% of the global total of cervical cancer cases. In India, around 77% cases of cervical cancer result from HPV 16 and 18. The country licensed the bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines in 2008, while the nonavalent vaccine was licensed in 2018. At present, the HPV vaccine is not officially recommended for boys and males in India.
Overview of Cancer
Cancer comprises a large group of diseases that originate from any organ or tissue when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, invading neighbouring body parts and/or spreading to other organs – a process known as metastasizing which is a significant cause of death due to cancer. Commonly referred to as a neoplasm or malignant tumor, lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are frequently diagnosed in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancers are commonplace among women.
The Recognition of World Cancer Day
To raise awareness and mobilize global action against the disease, World Cancer Day is organised by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) on February 4th each year.
Indian Initiatives Pertaining to Cancer Prevention
In an endeavor to combat cancer, India has implemented numerous initiatives such as the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), and the National Cancer Grid (NCG).
