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The FDA notes that although cervical cancer kills about 4,000 women in the United States each year, most cervical cancers are preventable. Moreover, if diagnosed in a timely manner, cervical cancer can be cured. Cervical cancer is usually formed in the lower part of the cervix — the part of the uterus adjacent to the vagina. It is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), but not all people who carry the HPV virus will develop cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer has few symptoms, but it can be detected through a conventional Pap smear, also known as a cervical smear. This test involves taking cells from the cervix, which are then examined in a laboratory for signs of abnormal cancerous changes. If the Pap smear results are abnormal, further examinations must be performed, including an HPV test. When both tests are conducted at the same time, the false negative rate is greatly reduced. According to the FDA, there are more than 100 types of HPV, some of which are non-pathogenic. The HPV test specifically detects those types of HPV that are more likely to cause cancer. In some cases, a cervical biopsy may also be necessary.
The FDA has approved three HPV vaccines — the 2-valent, 4-valent, and 9-valent versions — to prevent cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine does not treat cervical cancer, but it plays a strong preventive role against cervical cancers caused by high-risk HPV types. Cervical cancers caused by HPV types 16 and 18 alone account for 70% of all cases. Gardasil 9 is the most comprehensive preventive vaccine available, offering protection against 9 types of HPV. People are best vaccinated before ever being exposed to HPV in order to receive the full protective benefit.
These vaccines work on the same principle as other vaccines that prevent viral and bacterial diseases: they encourage the body to produce antibodies against the virus. However, it is important to note that regardless of whether a woman has been vaccinated, regular Pap smears remain essential. Vaccination does not eliminate the need for screening, because it is extremely important to detect cervical cancer and precancerous lesions as early as possible — and no vaccine provides complete protection against all HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.
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About Sai Sree
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