The human papillomavirus
Currently and universally, cervical cancer, a pathology caused in most cases by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is classified as the second most important cause of death by cancer in women between 15 and 44 years, the first being breast cancer.
Below you have an index with all the points that we will discuss in this article.
Index
The Human Papilloma VirusEight out of 10 women, or 80% of women, are exposed to the HPV virus at some point in their lives. In most cases there is no symptom, so you are not aware of the virus, because the body's immune system is responsible for defending against the virus.
Prevalence of Human Papilloma VirusThis type of cancer is not transmitted from generation to generation, that is, it does not have a hereditary character. It is caused by contact with a very large family of viruses, the Human Papilloma Virus.
Prevention of cervical cancer
In order to avoid this type of pathology, what should be done is to go annually to the gynecologist where a general review will be performed, which should include a vaginal or abdominal ultrasound and cervical cytology or Papanicolaou test.
This test consists of taking a small cellular sample from the area with a light scraping with a swab. Thus, cells will be analyzed for abnormal cells or cells that can become cancerous.
The Human Papilloma Virus can remain latent for 15 years, that is, we can have our body infected with the virus, without realizing it. This is due to the absence of visible symptoms, so it can take up to 15 years for the first lesions in the area to appear.
The cytology of the cervix is ??indicated for any woman from the third year since she begins to have sexual relations.
This simple test, along with vaccination, could help prevent that infection that turns the cells into abnormal.
Vaccine against HPV
The vaccine against HPV manages to prevent about 75% of cases of cervical cancer, and there are already data on efficacy in women from adolescence to 45 years of age.
Vaccine against HPVThe vaccine prevents the spread of certain variants but does not necessarily prevent infection by the virus, since it does not act against all strains of HPV. Therefore, continue with annual medical checks is essential.
Three doses are necessary for vaccination to provide adequate protection against HPV.
This vaccine, despite having been subjected to rigorous scientific and health controls, has far exceeded all the obstacles that have arisen since it has led an exhaustive study of more than a decade.
It has obtained its authorization in more than 100 countries around the world and some 50 million doses have already been distributed worldwide. Among other Health Authorities, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the safety that it can provide.
The tolerance of this vaccine is very high, although in some cases there are local reactions (in the arm) or a few tenths of fever. There is also evidence of more serious side effects, but these occur rarely, as can happen with other vaccines.
It is important that periodic cytologies are made to allow early detection of cervical cancer and vaccinated within the established age range to avoid the spread of the virus and the risk of developing this type of cancer.
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