Human papillomavirus (HPV) - immunisation
human; papilloma; virus; papillomavirus; cervical; cancer; genital; warts; immunise; immunisation; vaccine; vaccination; HPV; GARDASIL; gardasil; side; effects;
Contents
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection and it usually does not cause any symptoms.
- It spreads very easily and many people (women and men) will get infected within a few years of becoming sexually active.
- In a very small number of women the virus stays in the cervix (the lowest part of the womb).
- This may lead to cancer of the cervix many years later if left untreated.
There are about 40 types of HPV.
- About 15 types are linked to cervical cancer and some other (much rarer) cancers such as cancer of the anus and the penis. These are called 'high risk' types.
- 'Low risk' types of HPV are the most common cause of genital warts.
About four out of five women will be infected with HPV at some time in their life.
- Infection is most common among young women, when they become sexually active.
- The more sexual partners she has the more likely she is to have an infection.
- HPV can occur in women who have sex with women.
Disease of the cervix caused by HPV
- Every year in Australia Pap testing finds 'low grade' changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix in about 90,000 women, and 'high grade' changes in about 15,000 women.
- Almost always low grade changes return to normal, but some become high grade changes.
- Usually the high grade changes also return to normal, but they can go on to become cervical cancer. It usually takes about 10 years for low grade changes to progress to cervical cancer.
- In Australia each year there are about 750 new cases of cervical cancer, 1800 women who need treatment in hospital, and 250 women die from cervical cancer.
- Due to the success of the National Cervical Cancer Screening Program, Australia has the second lowest death rate from cervical cancer in similar developed countries.
What can be done to prevent cervical cancer?
- Having a Pap smear every 2 years is the best chance of preventing cervical cancer because the early changes can be treated before cancer develops.
- Having a HPV immunisation also protects a woman against many of the viruses that cause cervical cancer.
Having a Pap smear
To have a Pap smear, you need to see a doctor, nurse or health worker. It's a simple procedure:
- The doctor or nurse gently inserts an instrument called a speculum into the vagina, so that the cervix can be seen. This may be uncomfortable, but should not hurt.
- A number of cells are collected from the surface of cervix.
- The cells are sent to a laboratory where they are tested for changes, and a report is sent to the doctor, nurse or health worker within one to two weeks.
Human papillomavirus vaccination
The Australian Government is funding a vaccination program for 12 and 13 year old girls in a school-based program, generally in the first year of high school.
If other people want to be immunised they will have to pay the full cost of the vaccine (around $500). This vaccine is also licensed for young men, but will not be provided free.
The vaccine GARDASIL® has been approved for use in girls and women under 26 years old in Australia.
- This vaccine offers protection against HPV strains 16 and 18 which cause around 70 percent of all cervical cancers.
- Gardasil® also offers protection against HPV types 6 and 11 which cause 90 percent of genital warts.
GARDASIL® is given as a series of three injections over six months.
Side effects of Gardasil® immunisation
- Some girls and women immunised with Gardasil® will have soreness at the site of the injection.
- A few will feel unwell and have a fever.
Some women faint when they have an injection. This does not happen more often with Gardasil® immunisation than it happens with other immunisation.
If I am vaccinated, will I still have to have Pap smears?
Yes. Being vaccinated does not mean that women will be able to stop having regular Pap smears. HPV vaccination will not prevent all cases of cervical cancer (it protects against only 2 of the types of HPV).
This means that all women aged 18 to 70 who have ever been sexually active, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, should have regular cervical screening by Pap smears.
References
South Australian Department of Health 'Cervical cancer vaccination - common questions and answers'
http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/Immunisation/071105-hpv-leaflet-web.pdf
Immunise Australia Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th edition, 2008
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
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