The China Food and Drug Administration announced recently it has approved Drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline Plc’s human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Cervarix, for use in the country, which has made it the first HPV vaccine being approved in China.
The vaccine has provided a new effective means for women to prevent cervical cancer. It is licensed to give girls and women aged 9-25 years and is expected to launched in early 2017.
What is HPV and what is HPV vaccine? Does HPV vaccine mean immunity from cervical cancer for good? Now, we are going to clear all your questions.
What is HPV and HPV vaccine?
”Around 10%-15% people are infected with HPV, which lives in the body’s epithelial cells that are found on the surface of the vagina, anus, vulva, cervix.” expert said during an interview. HPV is a type of virus with double-stranded DNA, which is very common in human body.
HPV is classified into around 200 subtypes, among which 40-50 types would cause infection in the genital tract. According to studies, the development of cancer in cervix, vulva, anus and throat is related with HPV infection.
It is for sure that cervical cancer can be prevented because it can only develop years after HPV infection.
HPV vaccine is to prevent the development of human papillomavirus. The vaccination will stimulate the immune system to generate protective antibodies, which exist in the body fluid. The antibodies will eliminate HPV once it is detected so as to prevent HPV infection.
Does HPV vaccine mean immunity from cervical cancer for good?
Our experts noted that it is a misunderstanding that vaccination means immunity from cervical cancer for good. People who have received HPV vaccine should also do screening checkups based on age group.
There are over 100 subtypes under HPV while the currently approved HPV vaccine can only be targeted to HPV 16 and HPV 18. People may also develop cervical cancer if you are infected with other HPV subtypes.
How to prevent cervical cancer in our daily life?
1. Immunity enhancement
It is common to have HPV infection. The infected should keep a positive attitude while doing appropriate exercise and refraining from smoking and drinking, which can enhance their immunity.
2. Safe sex
Many subtypes of HPV are transmitted sexually. People should avoid having sex with multiple people and should have sex with condom on.
3. HPV vaccination
HPV vaccination at an early age can also avoid the development of cervical cancer.
4. Secondary prevention
Women who have had sex over the age of 21 should receive cervical cancer screening in hospital. If abnormality is found during the screening, the infected should see a specialist and receive treatment accordingly so as to prevent the development of cervical cancer.