What vaccine protects against cervical cancer?

Vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), early detection and treatment against this virus, prevent up to 90% of the development of cervical cancer, explained Eder Alexandro Arango Bravo, head of the Department of Health Education at the National Cancer Institute (INCan).

She added that the HPV vaccine is the main element in primary prevention, with protection against the most common virus subtypes (16-18) and the prevention of premalignant and malignant lesions (cancer) of the cervix, when administered in one dose to girls aged 9 to 10 years.

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How is HPV transmitted?

Explaining that HPV is transmitted by Direct contact with infected skin and genital mucous membranes or body fluids during sexual intercourse, including oral intercourse; He added that vaccination is necessary to prevent precancerous lesions and cervical cancer.

In addition, she said that women over 25 years of age should undergo a Pap test or cervical cytology, in accordance with the NOM guidelines, repeating it every year and, if the last two results are negative, it should be done every three years.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said that the Pap test is a safe procedure that takes no more than 15 minutes and consists of collecting cells from the cervix with a small brush that is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

The SSA reiterated the importance of preventing and raising awareness among women about this virus, within the framework of the National Day of the Fight Against Cervical Cancer, which is commemorated every August 9.

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Treatment is successful in early stages

On the other hand, Arango Bravo highlighted that Treatment success is 90% in early stages, Since they are small lesions measuring less than four centimetres, confined to the cervix, amenable to surgical treatment (surgery) and, if necessary, treatment is complemented with radiotherapy.

He also specified that treatment depends on the clinical stages at diagnosis; in patients with locally advanced disease, the combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the best treatment option, as it is curative.

While in advanced stages the purpose of treatment is to control symptoms associated with the disease, such as bleeding and pelvic pain, improve the quality of life of patients and prolong survival.