#cancer #cervicalcancer#womencancer #cancerinwomen #hpvvaccine #hpvinfection
1.What is cervical cancer?
There are five types of cancers of women reproductive organ- uterus, cervix, tubes ovaries ,vulva and vagina. cervical cancer is cancer of mouth of uterus, which is called cervix.
2.How common is cervical cancer?
cervical cancer is 2nd leading cause of cancer in India and 4th leading cause in worldwide. Best thing is its preventable by vaccination.
3.What causes cervical cancer?
It is multifactorial like smoking, having multiple sexual partners, living in a unhygienic conditions, weak immune system but main cause of cervical cancer id human papilloma virus(HPV), so women infected with HPV are at high risk of getting cervical cancer.
4.How is HPV virus spread?
It is spread through sexual contact from one partner to other like any other STD.
It is usually seen in young patient between 15 to 25 years of age.
5. What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Early cervical cancer usually doesn’t have symptoms, making it hard to detect. Symptoms usually begin after the cancer has spread.
When symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer do occur, they may include
vaginal bleeding after sex
vaginal bleeding after menopause
vaginal bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal
vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odor or that contains blood
pelvic pain or pain during sex
Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer (cancer has spread beyond the cervix to other parts of the body) may include the symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer and
difficult or painful bowel movements or bleeding from the rectum when having a bowel movement
difficult or painful urination or blood in the urine
dull backache
swelling of the legs
pain in the abdomen
feeling tired
6. How can one reduce the risk of cervical cancer?
WE CAN REDUCE RISK BY GETTING VACCINATED. and getting regular cervical screening test, avoiding smoking, maintain mensural hygiene and using condoms during sexual relations.
7. When we should go for screening?
All women above the age of 21 and who are sexually active should go for cervical cancer screening. HPV vaccination does not prevent infection with all high-risk HPV types, vaccinated people who have a cervix should follow cervical cancer screening recommendations.
Age 21-29 years
your first Pap test at age 21, followed by Pap testing every 3 years. Even if you are sexually active, you do not need a Pap test before age 21.
Age 30-65 years
HPV test every 5 years
HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years
Pap test every 3 years.
If you’ve had an operation to remove both the uterus and cervix (called a total hysterectomy) for reasons not related to cancer or abnormal cervical cells you do not need to be screened for cervical cancer. However, if your hysterectomy was related to cervical cancer or precancer, talk with your health care provider to learn what follow-up care you need. If you’ve had an operation to remove the uterus but not the cervix (sometimes called a partial or supracervical hysterectomy) you should continue routine cervical cancer screening.
8.WHAT ARE OTHER CANCERS CAUSED BY HPV?
In females it causes genital warts, vulva and vaginal cancers and penile cancer in males, it can also cause oropharyngeal and anal cancers in both.
9. WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER?
Both male and females can get vaccinated against hpv after the age of 9 years.
10. What is dose schedule for hpv vaccine?
Two doses of HPV vaccine are recommended by CDC for most persons starting the series before their 15th birthday.
The second dose of HPV vaccine should be given 6 to 12 months after the first dose.
Adolescents who receive two doses less than 5 months apart will require a third dose of HPV vaccine.
Three doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for teens and young adults who start the series at ages 15 through 26 years, and for immunocompromised persons.
The recommended three-dose schedule is 0, 1–2 and 6 months.
Three doses are recommended for immunocompromised persons (including those with HIV infection) aged 9 through 26 years.
11. Should adult 25-45 years should get vaccinated?
CDC DOES NOT recommends Vaccination for everyone older than age 26 years. In general, HPV vaccination of people in this age range provides minimal benefit because most people have been exposed to HPV already. However, some adults aged 27–45 years who are not adequately vaccinated might be at risk for new HPV infection and might benefit from vaccination.
For adults who are 27–46 years old, clinicians can consider discussing HPV vaccination with people who are most likely to benefit.
12. WHO SHOULD NOT GET HPV VACCINE?
A severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to a vaccine component or following a prior dose of HPV vaccine is a contraindication to receipt of HPV vaccine.
9-valent HPV vaccine is produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) and is contraindicated for persons with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to yeast.
A moderate or severe acute illness is a precaution to vaccination, and vaccination should be deferred until symptoms of the acute illness improve.
13. Should it be given in pregnancy?
HPV vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If a person is found to be pregnant after starting the HPV vaccine series, second and/or third doses should be delayed until they are no longer pregnant. If a person receives HPV vaccine and later learns that they are pregnant, there is no reason to be alarmed.
14. What are the types of vaccines available in market?
Quadrivalent vaccines- Gardasil and Cervavac prevents 6,11,16 and 18 HPV serotypes.
nanovalent vaccines- Gardasil 9 prevents serotypes 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.