According to the latest figures, approximately 1500 women die from this disease every year in Turkey due to cervical cancer, which is a type of cancer that can be prevented by vaccination. According to the data of the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths worldwide is over 300,000. In this context, the HPV vaccine, which has been developed against cancer and has been applied for 15 years, is among the agenda topics that should be included in the vaccination calendar free of charge by the state recently.
NOT ALL KINDS OF VIRUS CAUSES CANCER
Saying that there are more than a hundred types of HPV virus, Beykent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Professor. Dr. Rehat Faikoğlu gave information on the subject and emphasized that not all types of the virus cause cancer. prof. Dr. Rehat Faikoğlu stated that the HPV virus is a DNA virus and causes changes in the cell structure, “There are more than a hundred types of this virus. Named with specific numbers. For example, the number 6 to 11 causes warts on the body, especially in the genital area. Numbers 16 to 18 cause cervical cancer. In other words, the feature of this virus is not only to cause cervical cancer. It has been determined that this virus is the cause of lung, pharynx and larynx cancers. In addition, studies have shown that in addition to HPV virus number 16 and 18, varieties such as 30, 33, 35, 52 cause cervical cancer.
ORAL CANCER MAY BE DIAGNOSED
Rehat Faikoğlu also said that the virus was detected by simple methods, but it will take 15-20 years for it to appear as a cancer. “Cervical cancer is a detectable cancer. For example, breast cancer is a curable cancer. Due to the virus, changes occur in the cell. However, the changes that have started to occur in the cervix appear as cancer after 15-20 years. For this reason, we diagnose cervical cancer in the early period from the swabs that we call pap smears from the cervical swabs. For the early diagnosis of this virus, which is detected by a very simple method, it is useful to have at least the examination of the cervical swab, which we call Pap Smear, every 6 months or at least once a year.
MEN MUST BE vaccinated, too.
Giving the information that the virus causes cancer not only in women but also in men, Faikoğlu said, “As a result of researches, it has been determined that this sexually transmitted virus causes lung and throat cancer not only in women but also in men. Therefore, the vaccine should be given not only to women but also to men.
HPV VACCINE IS REQUIRED
“98 out of every 100 women definitely meet the HPV virus at some point in their lives. That’s why the vaccine is of great importance” and continued his words, “As in developed countries, this vaccine should definitely be included in the vaccination calendar by the state, and it should be given to both genders after the age of 12. In addition, even if vaccination is done, controls should not be neglected,” he concluded.