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Vaccines for Cancer Prevention

Comprehensive Cancer Centers encourages women to increase their awareness about the risks of cervical cancer, as well as the benefits of human papillomavirus HPV vaccination. While all women are at risk for cervical cancer, it most often occurs in women over the age of 30.

Vaccinations to protect the body against HPV are important as the virus can be passed from one person to another during sexual activity, and those who are active, or will someday become active, benefit from the vaccine’s protection. Additionally, it’s estimated that one half of all sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives. For those without vaccination, risks can become exponential with more than one partner.

With these elevated risks, comes the dangers that can arise from long-lasting infections, with certain types of HPV seen as the primary cause of cervical cancer.  As cancer is a disease where cells in the body grow out of control and can spread, a case of HPV that turns into cervical cancer can spread and cause other cancers in the body.

How Does Cervical Cancer Work and is it Treatable?

When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. The cervix connects the birth canal to the upper part of the uterus, which can lead the cancer to spread there and beyond. Fortunately, cervical cancer is highly preventable through screening tests, and a vaccine to prevent HPV infections from happening in the first place are available. When cervical cancer is found early, it’s treatable with long survivals and excellent qualities of life.

High-Risk and Low-Risk HPV Types

HPV types are often referred to as low-risk/wart-causing or high-risk/cancer-causing, based on the risk for cancer in the specific patient. The International Agency for Research on Cancer found 13 HPV types could cause cervical cancer. One of these types identified can cause cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and some head and neck cancers. The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types that can cause cancer.

Most people who become infected do not know they have HPV. Usually, the body’s immune system gets rid of the HPV infection naturally within two years. This is true of both high-risk and low-risk types. By age 50, at least four out of every five women will have been infected with HPV at one point in their lives. HPV is also very common in men, and often presents no symptoms.

How a High-Risk HPV Infection Can Lead to Cancer

When the immune system can’t eliminate high-risk HPV infection, HPV can turn normal cells into abnormal cells and then cancer. About 10% of women with high-risk HPV on their cervix will develop long-lasting HPV infections that put them at risk for cervical cancer. Similarly, when high-risk HPV lingers it can cause cell changes called pre-cancers. These may eventually develop into cancer if not found and removed.

HPV and Vaccinations

Clinical trials have shown that HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing cervical, vaginal and vulvar infection with the types of HPV they target when given before first exposure to the virus—that is, before individuals begin to engage in sexual activity. Like other immunizations, HPV vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies that attach to the virus and prevent it from infecting cells.

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

In addition to Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), women should consider the following factors regarding risks for cervical cancer:

  • Age – cervical cancer most often occurs in women over the age of 40.
  • Weakened Immune System – women with HIV or taking drugs that suppress the immune system have a higher-than-average risk of developing cervical cancer.
  • Sexual History – women who have had many sexual partners or have had intercourse with a man who has had many sexual partners may be at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer because they have a higher risk of HPV infection.
  • Smoking – women with an HPV infection who smoke have a higher-than-average risk of cervical cancer than women with HPV infection who do not smoke.
  • Birth Control – using birth control pills for more than 5 years may increase the risk of cervical cancer among women with HPV infection.
  • Child Birth – multiple childbirths can increase the chance of developing cervical cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Early changes in the cervix may not cause pain or other symptoms; however, when the disease gets worse, women may notice abnormal vaginal bleeding, increased vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and/or pain during intercourse. Comprehensive Cancer Centers urges women who experience any of these symptoms to consult their healthcare providers for a thorough exam.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help

The physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for women’s cancers, blood disorders as well as lung disease and sleep disorders. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.

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