CERVICAL CANCER can be prevented

Cancer of cervix or Cervical Cancer can be cured! Treatment usually consists of surgery (including
local excision) in early stages, and chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in more advanced stages of the
disease. Now, the more exciting news is: cervical cancer can be prevented!

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm arising from cells originating in the cervix uteri. The cervix is the
narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top of the vagina. [Cervical cancer is cancer that
starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the
vagina].

In most women, early cervical cancer has no symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of cervical
cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, but in some cases there may be no obvious symptoms until the
cancer has progressed to an advanced stage.

What is the cause of cervical cancer?

90% of cervical cancers are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. HPV types 16 and 18
appear to be the necessary factor in the development of almost all cases of cervical cancer.
Every woman and man who engage in sexual intercourse activities, have encountered the risk of HPV
infection.

HPV infection often shows no symptoms. This will make no awareness of being infected and no
knowledge of spreading it to his/her sexual partners.

HPV has many types, but in general it is divided into 2 categories, i.e:
1.High Risk HPV (can cause cancer)
Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 58

2.Low Risk HPV (can not cause cancer)

Types 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54 (Source: Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, USA 2007)

Identified types of HPV in cervix cells

HPV negative
Other type HPV
HPV 58, HPV 52, HPV 31, HPV 45, HPV 18, 7 other types, HPV 16 7 other types, HPV 16 & 18, HPV 18, HPV 16

How to reduce the risk of HPV infection?

HPV VACCINATION
HEALTHY SEXUAL ACTIVITY
NOT SMOKING
HEALTHY DIET AND LIFE STYLE
Who can obtain HPV vaccination?
Women aged 9-26 years (100% protection)
Women above 26 years old (protection depends on how much HPV exposure)

Is HPV vaccine safe?

This vaccine is very safe, almost no side-effects. The only possible side-effect is redness and a slight pain
in the injection area. Some cases generate mild fever as in influenza, but analgesic or antipyretic
medicines can easily overcome these effects.

A vaccine called Gardasil has been developed that protects against the two high-risk HPV types (types 16
and 18), which cause 70% of cervical cancers in women and 90% of all HPV-related cancers in men. It
also protects against two low-risk HPV types (types 6 and 11), which cause 90% of genital warts.

Another vaccine called Cervarix is available, which protects against the same two high-risk HPV types
(types 16 and 18). It does not protect against low-risk HPV types which cause genital warts. Some
doctors may recommend this vaccine rather than Gardasil.

How, when and where is the vaccine given?

The HPV vaccine is given as three injections in the upper arm.
The vaccine works best if you have it over a six-month period, with the second dose of the vaccine two
months after the first, and the final dose four months after the second (so at 0, 2 and 6 months).

HPV vaccines illustration chart

Cervarix Gardasil

today today
e.g. Jan 1 Vaccination I Vaccination I e.g. Jan 1

Feb 1 2nd month 3rd month March 1
Vaccination II Vaccination II

July 1 6th month 6th month July 1
Vaccination III Vaccination III
*(time tolerance for delayed interval from one injection to another injection is 1 month)

How effective is the vaccine?

The HPV vaccine provides almost 100% protection from HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 if all three doses are
received at the correct intervals, and if it is given before you have an infection with these types.
Protection is expected to be long-lasting.
The vaccine was first given in the major vaccine studies in 2003. The latest research shows the vaccine
still offers close to 100% protection more than 5 years after it was received, and this protection shows
no sign of weakening.

Control post HPV Vaccination?

HPV vaccination reduces the risk of cervical cancer 90%. Paptest routine post vaccination is suggestable
due the 10% risk to be monitored.