HPV vaccine is an effective way to prevent cervical cancer

HPV vaccine is an effective way to prevent cervical cancer: Cervical Cancer is a serious disease, which is a major cause of death for women worldwide. This is a serious type of cancer, which affects many women. This is the reason why every year the month of January is celebrated as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to spread awareness about this serious disease. On this occasion, recently information regarding vaccination for the prevention of this disease came out from the Union Health Ministry.

Recently, the Union Health Ministry said that the government is closely monitoring the cases of cervical cancer and will soon take a decision on starting the Human Papillomavirus vaccination campaign. In such a situation, let us know all the things related to this vaccine that protects against cervical cancer, which is important for you to know.

What is Human Papillomavirus?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that infects the skin and mucus membranes and is spread primarily through skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual activity. There are more than 100 types of HPV, some of which can cause genital warts and potentially even various cancers.

How does HPV spread?

HPV is usually spread by skin-to-skin contact, with sexual activity being the biggest cause of spread. The virus can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person, even if the infected person has no symptoms.

Symptoms of HPV infection

Many HPV infections cause no noticeable symptoms and may clear up on their own. However, some strains can cause genital warts, which appear as small, cauliflower-like bumps on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth.

How does HPV cause cancer?

Some high-risk strains of HPV can cause persistent infections, which cause cellular changes in the body and potentially lead to cervical or other types of cancer over time. Regular checkups are very important to prevent the development of cancer or detect it in its early stages.

How to prevent cancer?

The most important and effective way to prevent cervical cancer is to get vaccinated against HPV. Apart from this, regular screening tests like HPV test and Pap test (or Pap smear) should be done.

Why is the HPV vaccine needed?

The risk of cancer increases due to HPV infection, which usually occurs due to sexual intercourse. In such a situation, the HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of cervical and other cancers caused by high-risk strains.

Who should get the vaccine?

This vaccine should be given to both men and women over 9 years of age to protect against HPV-related cancer. Men can also have HPV, which they can pass on to their female partners, which can then turn into cancer. Currently, three HPV vaccines are available, one of which is CervaVac – the first indigenous vaccine against cervical cancer, developed and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a deadly type of this serious disease. Generally, cervical, ovarian, uterus, vaginal and vulvar cancers affect the reproductive organs of women. Cervical cancer is one of these, which starts in the cervix, hence it is known by this name. Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). All women infected with HPV are at risk for cervical cancer.

How to avoid cervical cancer

• The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is for both men and women to get the HPV vaccine before they become sexually active, usually during adolescence.
• To prevent the spread of cancer-causing HPV, it is important that you practice safe sex. You can use condom or dental dam for this.
• To prevent cervical cancer, keep getting Pap smear tests done regularly.