The cervical cancer vaccine is a preventative form of medicine for women – offering protection against the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. The best time to receive the cervical cancer vaccine is between the ages of 11 and 12. More details are outlined below.

HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact or intercourse.

A lot of women falsely believe that only promiscouous women will contract HPV. But in reality, the number of sex partners does not affect one’s chance of getting the virus. There is 80% chance for any women to contract HPV throughout her lifetime.

Condoms will not help in protecting against HPV.

The cervical cancer vaccine is the first vaccine ever designed to prevent cancer. In Hong Kong – where cervical cancer affects close to 500 women a year and causes more than 130 deaths – the impact of the cervical cancer vaccine will be tremendous in reducing the future rate of cervical cancer cases. The tragedy of cervical cancer is that it often strikes women in the prime of their life, when they may be raising a family or trying to have children. Also, treatment of cervical cancer can often lead to infertility, which is why prevention is so important.

In over 100 types of HPV, 40 of them will infect the reproductive organs. Among them, about half can cause cancer. Type 16 and 18 are the most common of these and repeat exposure to the virus will result in pre-cancerous abnormalities that will significantly increase the chances of cervical cancer. The cervical cancer vaccine specifically blocks two cancer-causing types of HPV – types 16 and 18 – to get at the root of cancer. The vaccine stops cervical cancer developing before it can even begin.

The cervical cancer vaccine can be used in girls as young as 9 to 10 years old. This allows a girl’s immune system to be activated before she is likely to encounter HPV through sexual contact. Vaccination at this age allows for greater protection against cervical cancer.

Thee vaccination course consists of 3 doses with the first injection at selected date, second injection at 1 month after the1st dose and third injection at 6 months after the 1st dose.

Cervical cancer affects females of all ages. Most of them possibly get HPV infection during adolescence. HPV infection is very common, at least 75% of sexually active people will get HPV infection at some point during their life time, and most of them have no symptoms, persistent HPV infection causes the cells lining to develop abnormalities, causing cervical cancer and other related diseases.

Early vaccination can help prevent the HPV infection. Transmission of HPV is mainly through sexual contact. Therefore, receiving the vaccine before becoming sexually active is the most ideal.

No.

Currently there are two vaccines that were approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to be marketed in Hong Kong. Both vaccines can prevent infection from types 16 and 18 of the HP virus.

According to statistics, about 70% of cervical cancer cases in Asia are caused by types 16 and 18. Therefore, the vaccines can at least prevent 70% of the virus. Vaccine should induce the generation of protective antibodies level against infection. The World Health Organization states that neutralizing antibodies are the likely mediator for protection against HPV infection.

Yes. In clinical trials, the vaccine effectively reduced the disease in a group of sexually active women age 26 or younger that had already been infected with one or more of the types of HPV the vaccine is designed to fight. That’s why catch-up immunizations are recommended for girls and women aged 13 to 26, regardless of sexual history. However, the cervical cancer vaccine is most effective in women who have never been exposed to HPV types 16 and 18.

The cervical cancer vaccine has proved remarkably safe. The most common complaint is soreness at the injection site, the upper arm. Low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms are also common. But the effects are usually mild.

Each injection will cost on average HK$1,500, and therefore the complete vaccination of 3 injections will cost around $4,500. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions.

Absolutely! And this is a really important point. The cervical cancer vaccine isn’t intended to replace Pap tests. The current vaccine only protects against 70% of cervical cancer caused by HPV types 16 and 18. You still need to have regular Pap tests to detect any abnormal changes caused by other high-risk HPV types. Routine screening for cervical cancer through regular pelvic exams and Pap tests are an essential part of a woman’s preventative health care.

Yes. If you wish to consider receiving the cervical cancer vaccine, please consult your local doctor or general practitioner. For more information on the vaccine in Hong Kong, please visit http://www.cervicalscreening.gov.hk

The recently launched cervical cancer vaccine offers proven protection for at least 6.4 years. Antibody levels generated by vaccination far exceed that from natural infection. Strong immunological recognition has also been observed. It is envisaged that the vaccine will provide long lasting protection.

No. Vaccinated women need to take other contraceptive measures to avoid pregnancy.

There is insufficient study in this area to draw a conclusion. But initial studies did not indicate any adverse effect on the foetus. However, it is recommended for women to take contraceptive measures during the vaccination period until all 3 injections are completed. Please consult your doctor.

You can reduce your chance of developing cervical cancer by:

．Practicing safe sex, using condoms and limiting your number of sexual partners
．Having regular Pap tests so that the cells in the cervix can be checked to ensure no abnormalities are present and no precancerous cells exist.
．Having a vaccination against the HPV infection
．Leading a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet and not smoking

(Information adopted from www.cervicalscreening.gov.hk and www.mayoclinic.com.