Make way for the HPV vaccine...!

Hello, my bunch of empowered, healthy women!

In my last blog we talked about the benefits of regular Pap test to catch cervical cancer early.
Today, we'll discuss how to keep cervical cancer at bay!

Cervical cancer is caused by a VIRAL infection of the cervix (by the Human Papilloma Virus aka HPV). HPV also causes Anal cancers, Vaginal & Vulval cancers, Penile cancers, Mouth cancers and Genital Warts.
Cervical cancer is one of the 3 cancers caused by a Infection (others are Stomach & Liver cancer). The good news is that it can be Prevented by a Vaccine against the virus!
Enter - HPV vaccine! Tadaaa...!!

Now, HPV is contracted by Sexual Exposure. So, it makes most sense to get the vaccine BEFORE there is ANY sexual exposure (ideally, teenage).
Also, response of the body in building immunity against the infection when given the vaccine is best at a young age. 

In an ideal world, all children and young adults between 9-26 years should be vaccinated (yes, Boys too! Women get the infection from males, don't they?!).
In India, we are yet to introduce it in our NIS (National Immunization Schedule) due to cost concerns.

BUT, the vaccine is sold by private manufacturers and if you can afford it, you should definitely go for it!
Also, if you are already sexually active and/or above the age of 26 years, you MAY take the vaccine if you wish, but it's effect will not be as good as in those who are not sexually active / younger.

There are 2 brands currently available in India:
Cervarix (by GSK) protects against 2 sub-types of the virus. Each dose costs around Rs 2500 and 3 doses are required to complete the course (at 0, 1 and 6 months of starting the course).

Gardasil (by Merck) covers 4 sub-types of the virus and also protects against genital warts in addition to cervical cancer. It costs Rs 3200 per dose and 3 doses are required (at 0, 2 and 6 months of starting the course).
A newer vaccine, Gardasil 9 protects against 9 sub-types but is currently not available in India.
No booster shots are needed after taking full course of either vaccine.
All the available vaccines are completely SAFE with no major side-effects. Please do not believe half-truths on the internet discouraging vaccination.🙏 Please contact me regarding any doubts you have.

Common query 💭 My daughter/ I have taken the HPV Vaccine. Do I still need to get the regular Pap tests?😕

Uh... YES! Cervical cancer is MAINLY caused by HPV but there are few cases that occur independent of the infection. Also, vaccine protects against the COMMON viral subtypes, NOT ALL.
So, do continue regular 3-yearly Pap test screening! There's absolutely no substitute for it at present.

Well, now that you are well armed with the knowledge to prevent this deadly & 2nd most common cancer in India, head over to your Gynecologist and get yourselves protected!

PS : Getting the vaccine is NOT a free pass to avoid Pap tests or to practice high-risk behaviour.