The HPV vaccine and Papanicolaou are able to prevent the onset of cervical cancer. However, adherence is low in Brazil
Cervical cancer, or cervical cancer, is the result of persistent infection with oncogenic types of the human papillomavirus, HPV. Genital infection with this virus, however, is very common and most often does not cause disease. In some cases, cellular changes occur that can progress to cancer.
For the year 2023, 17,010 new cases of cervical cancer are estimated in Brazil, representing a considered risk of 13.25 cases per 100,000 women, according to INCA. The numbers show the importance of the March Lilac campaign, which seeks to alert the population to the risks of the disease.
Prevention of cervical cancer
The primary way to find out for the presence of HPV is through the Pap smear, which should be done annually or every other year, as appropriate. In almost all cases, there is a cure for the condition. Therefore, it is important to perform routine examinations periodically.
In addition to the Pap smear, it is important to get the HPV vaccine, which is usually given to girls early in their reproductive stage. The immunizer is able to stop virus infections and thus prevent the onset of the disease.
“Cervical cancer is preventable thanks to the HPV vaccine, which is available in the SUS. In addition to the Papanicolaou test, which is also available in the public network and has the potential to detect lesions that are precancerous, i.e. that are not yet cancer,” he points out the oncologist Fernando Maluf, member of the Management Committee of the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital and founder of the Vencer o Cancer Institute.
Low vaccine and Pap smear adherence
HPV virus contamination is the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer. For the immunization of oncogenic HPVs which are responsible for 70% of malignant tumors of the uterine cervix, there is a vaccine available in the public network. The quadrivalent vaccine also prevents the types responsible for most genital sores.
The quadrivalent vaccine is distributed free of charge by SUS to girls aged 9 to 14 and boys aged 9 to 14. It is also distributed on the public network to immunosuppressed men and women (living with HIV/AIDS, undergoing cancer treatment or undergoing organ transplants, etc.) up to the age of 45. For this group, the vaccine has 3 doses, with an interval of 0, 2 months and 6 months.
Due to low adherence to HPV vaccination campaigns and bottlenecks in access to the Papanicolaou test, Brazil has a high incidence and mortality from cervical cancer.
Data from the EVITA study conducted by the EVA group (Grupo Brasileiro de Tumors Ginecológico) in collaboration with LACOG, demonstrated some of the most frequently reported reasons for not performing the Papanicolaou test:
- Reluctance in 46.9%;
- Shame or embarrassment in 19.7%;
- Lack of knowledge in 19.7%.
In addition, the study also showed that low Pap smear adherence is associated with social inequality, lower income, educational attainment, and stable partner. Therefore, awareness is extremely important, without giving up other actions. That is, the HPV vaccine, the Pap smear, and early treatment—all of these are capable of saving the lives of women, most of whom are young and economically active.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
