Cervical cancer remains a significant health issue for women worldwide, affecting over 660,000 new cases each year. In Malaysia, it ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women, with 1,740 new cases diagnosed annually. Despite these alarming statistics, there is hope. In conjunction with Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, it is crucial to highlight the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which has transformed cervical cancer prevention, offering a powerful tool to safeguard women’s health for generations to come.
Dr Nur Adila Mokhtar, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at OncoCare Cancer Centre Malaysia, shares, “The HPV vaccine is transforming women’s health by providing a pathway to significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer and protect future generations.”
The Connection Between HPV and Cervical Cancer
HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, with types 16 and 18 responsible for 70% of cases worldwide. “Most sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point in their lives, but not all infections persist,” explains Dr Nur Adila. “However, high-risk strains can lead to abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which, if left untreated, may develop into cancer.”
Understanding the link between HPV and cervical cancer has led to advancements in prevention strategies, particularly vaccination. “The earlier we can detect and prevent HPV infections, the better our chances of stopping cervical cancer in its tracks,” adds Dr Nur Adila.
The Critical Role of Early Vaccination
Vaccination is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV, ideally between the ages of 11 and 12. “At this age, the immune system is primed to respond effectively, providing long-lasting protection,” says Dr Nur Adila. It remains highly beneficial for young adults up to age 26 who missed the vaccine earlier. Even for individuals aged 27 to 45, vaccination can offer protection based on prior exposure.
The HPV vaccine can lower cervical cancer rates by up to 90% when administered early. It also offers protection against other HPV-related cancers, including vulvar and vaginal cancers, making it a vital component of preventive healthcare.
The Importance of Screening and Early Detection
Although the HPV vaccine is a powerful tool, regular cervical cancer screenings remain essential. “Women should start screenings at age 21, regardless of their vaccination status,” advises Dr Nur Adila. Pap smears, recommended every three years for women aged 21 to 29, detect early changes in cervical cells. For women over 30, combining Pap smears with HPV testing provides even greater accuracy.
Dr Nur Adila emphasises the complementary role of vaccination and screening. “Together, they create a robust defence against cervical cancer,” she shares.
Recognising Warning Signs and Symptoms
Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, making regular screenings crucial. However, some warning signs include abnormal vaginal bleeding, which may occur between periods, after intercourse, or post-menopause. Women should also be alert to unusual vaginal discharge, which may be watery, pink, or have a foul odour, and persistent pelvic pain or discomfort during intercourse. Changes in menstrual flow and swelling or leg pain may indicate advanced stages.
“Awareness of these symptoms and seeking timely medical advice can save lives,” says Dr Nur Adila.
Addressing Misconceptions: Clearing the Confusion
Despite the proven effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, several misconceptions continue to circulate. Dr Nur Adila addresses some of the most common myths:
“The HPV vaccine is only necessary for young people.”
The vaccine is most effective when administered before the start of sexual activity; however, it can still be beneficial for young adults up to age 26. Additionally, individuals aged 27 to 45 may also benefit from the vaccine, particularly if they have not yet been exposed to all high-risk strains.
“The HPV vaccine doesn’t protect against all HPV types.”
Although the vaccine does not protect against every type of HPV, it does provide coverage for the high-risk types that are most commonly linked with cervical cancer, particularly types 16 and 18.
“The HPV vaccine has serious side effects.”
Like all vaccines, the HPV vaccine may cause mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or slight fever. However, serious side effects are extremely rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh these minimal risks.
“Pap smears are enough - the vaccine isn’t necessary.”
Pap smears and HPV vaccinations have different roles in prevention. While Pap smears detect precancerous changes, vaccinations prevent initial infections with high-risk HPV strains. Together, they provide a comprehensive strategy for cervical cancer prevention.
Men’s Role in HPV Prevention
Men play a vital role in supporting HPV prevention efforts. By understanding HPV’s impact, men can encourage vaccination among their partners, family members, and friends. Practising safe sex, including condom use, helps reduce transmission risks.
Dr Nur Adila shares, “Men can also advocate for HPV awareness by participating in educational campaigns and normalising discussions about sexual health.” By prioritising their health through regular check-ups and vaccinations, men can set an example and contribute to a culture of proactive healthcare.
Advancements in HPV Vaccination and Screening
Recent advancements in cervical cancer prevention focus on enhancing HPV vaccines, improving screening methods, and providing personalised care. New vaccines aim to protect against a broader range of HPV strains, including those associated with head and neck cancers, while also reducing the number of doses required. Introducing the 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) has expanded protection to nine HPV types, including seven high-risk strains. “This broader coverage improves the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing various cancers linked to HPV,” says Dr Nur Adila.
Research is ongoing to develop new strategies for increasing vaccine accessibility and improving effectiveness. Dr Nur Adila shares that recent innovations in screening, such as self-collection kits for HPV testing and liquid-based cytology, are exciting advancements. These developments could make screening more comfortable and accessible for women, particularly those in rural or underserved areas.
Therapeutic vaccines are being explored to treat existing infections and precancerous lesions. Research into genetic biomarkers could also help personalise prevention strategies by identifying women at higher risk. “These advancements, along with increasing public awareness, have the potential to significantly reduce cervical cancer rates globally,” says Dr Nur Adila.
A Call to Action
The fight against cervical cancer is centred on prevention, with the HPV vaccine playing a vital role in this effort. Dr Nur Adila emphasises that adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as attending regular gynaecological check-ups, practising safe sex, avoiding smoking, and managing underlying health conditions, can significantly reduce the risk of cervical and other HPV-related cancers while also promoting overall well-being. When combined with regular screenings, vaccination offers the most effective approach to preventing cervical cancer and improving women’s health outcomes.
If you are a parent or a young adult, now is the time to act. Get vaccinated, stay informed, and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and protect future generations of women from this preventable disease.
For more information, visit https://oncocare.my/.
This content is provided by OncoCare Cancer Centre Malaysia.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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