Recent statistics show that about 20 million HPV infections are
reported in the US alone with 6.2 million new infections yearly. Human
Papilloma Virus is a common sexually transmitted virus that exists in 40
different types. The reason why HPV infections go unnoticed is that symptoms are rare and when they occur they
can go disappear on their own after a while.
The significance of HPV, in as much as its infections
are not fatal, is that it tends to cause cervical cancer in women. In fact, HPV
is the second most common cause of cancer
deaths among women globally. On the other hand, HPV has also been found to
cause less common types of cancer in males as well. Additionally, this virus
has been linked to the formation of warts
in the respiratory tract and around the genitalia. The worrying trend is that
nearly 50% of the sexually active men and women get infected with the HPV virus
somewhere along the way.
Why Do You Need To Get HPV Vaccine
Although no treatment for Human papilloma virus exists, there are some
precautions one can get to protect themselves against infections caused by the
virus. One of the highly recommended solutions is getting HPV vaccine.
HPV vaccine protects against four main types of HPV. Among
these types, half of them are responsible for nearly 70% of cervical cancer
cases while the other halfis connected with 90% of genital warts. Therefore, vaccination
for Human Papilloma Virus can help to prevent a majority of cervical cancer as
well as genital warts.
However, although the protection one gets from the HPV vaccine is intended to be long lasting, it
is recommended that women who get HPV vaccinations to also get screening for
cervical cancer.
If left unchecked, HPV can cause the following health
issues:
·
In women, it can cause cancer of the vulva, vagina and
cervix.
·
In men, it can
lead to cancer of the penis
·
Cancer of the anus
·
Cancer of the oropharynx
As a result of these serious health implications, the
necessity to get HPV vaccine cannot be over-emphasized.
Who Should Get HPV Vaccine
HPV vaccination for prevention of cervical cancer should
be given to young girls at an early age of 11 or 12 years. However, some
doctors may recommend giving it to young girls at the age of 9 years. Boys at
the age of 9-26 years may also be given the HPV4 Vaccine which is recommended
to prevent genital warts.
It is necessary for girls to get the vaccine long
before their first sexual contact as they have not been exposed to HPV yet. In
such cases, these girls can get protection from just about 100% of the 4 HPV
types that are mainly targeted by the vaccine.
It is important for more people to get vaccination
for HPV in an effort to lower the rising cases of cancer,especially in women. Many centres around the
world continue to offer this vaccine which is why everyone is encouraged to
check in and get one as a preventive measure against cancer.
If you want to
discuss more you can contact cervical cancer
treatment or for any query you
can reach us at https://www.londongynaecancer.co.uk/
Call
us at 07595
927289.
Contact Address:-
The
Lister Hospital
Chelsea
Bridge Road,
London,SW1W 8RH
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