Cervical cancer prevention
With cervical cancer as the next most common cancer in women second to breast cancer, and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide, it can now be prevented with the availability of the HPV (Human papilloma virus) vaccines. Now, these vaccines (there are two in the market) are designed to PREVENT infection with four strains of HPV, since HPV is associated with the development of cervical cancer and cervical warts.
Most patients who come to our clinic are commonly misinformed about the vaccine. They think that a single injection is enough, and that it is given at any age as long as a woman is still sexually active. This post is aimed at providing clarifications to all these.
First of all, the vaccine is designed to target women who are 9 to 25 years of age. Since it is only for prevention, it does not aim to treat individuals who are already exposed to the virus, or those who have abnormal Pap smear results. Which means to say that not everyone can have it. Otherwise the money invested will only go to waste as the vaccine is quite expensive.
Secondly, it is not only given once. It is given at three injections, at 0, 1, and 6 months interval. And it will not prevent occurrence of UTIs (urinary tract infection) and cystitis as what some women I’ve talk seem to believe.
And lastly, there are only two international drug companies who manufacture the drugs – Merck and GSK (Glaxo Smithkline). There are some vaccines being sold at certain areas which are very low-priced. Since fake medicine still abound here in the Philippines, take precautions before subjecting yourself to such. It is best that you’re getting your money’s worth than be fooled by people with selfish motives. Know also if its really safe to take. You might as well read some adverse reactions before finally deciding on whether to have it or not.
Photo from this site
Tags: cervical cancer, GSK, HPV vaccine, HPV virus, Merck, prevention