The HPV virus is very widespread. There are approximately 100 types of this virus. Some cause mild skin changes. The most common types are responsible for the development of cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva and larynx, as well as warts, including genital warts. For discovering the link between HPV and the development of cervical cancer, German scientist Harald zur Hausen received the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. This discovery made it possible to develop a vaccine that reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer.
What is HPV and how can you become infected with it?
HPV is another name for the human papillomavirus. It can be divided into two groups according to oncological risk. Low-risk types include, above all, HPV types that cause warts. HPV types 6, 11, 42, 43 and 44 cause benign lesions in the genital area, such as genital warts, which appear within several months after contact with an infected person. High-risk, or oncogenic, types are most commonly HPV 16 and 18, which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases. Infection with these types of the virus can lead to uncontrolled cell division in the cervical epithelium, which may result in cervical cancer.
What can be done to protect against infection with the virus?
HPV vaccinations have been available and administered worldwide since 2006. Scientific studies have proven their high effectiveness and safety, and scientific societies around the world recommend vaccinating girls. The Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians and the Polish Paediatric Society recommend vaccination against HPV. Girls who have not yet begun sexual activity will benefit most from vaccination. To produce an adequate level of antibodies, the vaccine must be administered in three doses.
Vaccinations are widely administered in Europe, the United States and Australia. In most European Union countries, vaccinations are centrally funded and attract great interest. Polish women still cannot afford to have vaccinations financed nationwide, so it is worth taking advantage of vaccinations funded by local authorities.
Vaccination against HPV is recommended in Poland’s preventive vaccination schedule. However, the cost of such vaccination is approximately PLN 1,500. For many parents, this is a barrier. So if you hear about a campaign for free vaccinations against HPV in your town, take advantage of it! Applications are processed in the order they are received!