Dr. Vatansever: Protecting Against Cancer with HPV Vaccine

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are viruses with more than 200 types, and they can cause various diseases, including cancer, in both women and men. Dr. Cansu Vatansever, Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Altınbaş University, provided information about the transmission of HPV and emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing diseases associated with HPV.

Dr. Cansu Vatansever, Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, explained the transmission of HPV, stating, "The primary mode of transmission for HPV is through sexual contact, although less commonly, the virus can be transmitted through shared items such as towels and clothing that have come into contact with genital areas. Another significant route of transmission in the disease is from an infected mother to the baby during childbirth."

Dr. Cansu Vatansever mentioned that many of the HPV types capable of causing diseases in humans lead to warts in the genital areas, while approximately 15 virus types are associated with various cancers such as cervical cancer, penile cancer, throat cancer, and laryngeal cancer. She stated:

"In about 80-90% of individuals infected with HPV, the virus is cleared from the body within 10-18 months due to the immune system's effect. However, in other individuals, the virus that remains in the body can lead to recurrent warts, lesions, and various cancers. Warts caused by HPV, which is generally considered benign and self-limiting, result from the proliferation of cells where the virus has settled. The most common types of warts are HPV-6 and HPV-11, which are considered low-risk for cancer development. Some types of HPV (HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-31, HPV-45, etc.) are considered high-risk for cancer development, responsible for cancers such as cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal cancers in women, and penile and anal cancers in men. These viruses are also associated with cancers outside the genital area, such as mouth, tongue, throat, and larynx. Among the high-risk virus types, HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the most commonly encountered worldwide and in our country."

Dr. Cansu Vatansever emphasized that cervical cancer, also known as cervical cancer, is detected in 99.7% of cases, and according to research, HPV is detected in 1 out of 10 women. She underlined the danger of HPV, stating that approximately 600,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide each year, and sadly, about 250,000 women lose their lives due to this disease. Cervical cancer ranks 9th among cancers observed in women in Turkey and 3rd among gynecological cancers. Worldwide, cervical cancer ranks 4th among cancers observed in women and is the leading gynecological cancer.

Regarding the prevention of the disease, Dr. Cansu Vatansever highlighted the importance of vaccination, saying, "Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent HPV-related cancers. Vaccines provide protection against various HPV types. One type of HPV vaccine (2-valent vaccine) provides protection against HPV-16 and HPV-18, while the other (4-valent vaccine) provides protection against HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. The newest vaccine available in our country provides protection against 9 different types of HPV, including HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-45, HPV-52, and HPV-58. The vaccine is recommended for all individuals aged 9-26, and for individuals aged 27-45, it can be administered after a doctor's recommendation."

Dr. Vatansever pointed out that administering the vaccine before the onset of sexual activity increases its effectiveness. She also mentioned that the vaccine provides protection, albeit at a lower level, for individuals with genital warts or those who are sexually active. However, especially when the vaccine is administered at an early age, its protection approaches 90%.

She explained the vaccine application details, stating, "HPV vaccines are administered as 2 doses, 6-12 months apart, in individuals under 15 years of age, while individuals aged 15 and older receive three doses. The second dose is administered 1-2 months after the first dose, and the third dose is administered 6 months after the second dose. The fact that a person is infected with any HPV type before the vaccine does not prevent vaccination. Vaccine trials have been conducted over many years, covering a large group of patients, making them safe. HPV vaccines can cause minor side effects such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, which are not serious, as seen in many vaccinations. HPV vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy. If individuals have started vaccination before pregnancy, the remaining vaccine doses should be administered after pregnancy. Vaccines administered unknowingly during pregnancy have not been found to cause anomalies in the fetus during pregnancy or after birth."

Dr. Vatansever stated that the first HPV vaccine, introduced in 2006, was initially expected to provide protection for 10 years. However, recent studies have suggested that the protection of the vaccine may last several decades. She noted that while the rate of HPV vaccination in our country is between 1-4%, it is between 40-90% worldwide. Dr. Vatansever concluded her statements by emphasizing that cervical cancer is a preventable cancer and that regular screening tests are crucial for prevention. She stated, "It should not be forgotten that individuals who have been vaccinated should also undergo regular screening tests because, despite the presence of the virus types included in the vaccine, other rare virus types can still cause disease. Regular screening tests such as pap smears and HPV DNA tests, which detect the virus, are effective in preventing cancer development by identifying the virus at an early stage. In our country, January is designated as cervical cancer awareness month, and various activities are organized to inform the public about the prevention of the disease through screening tests."