Stating that cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women under 45 years of age in the world, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Prof. Dr. Orhan Ünal said that men, like women, should be vaccinated against HPV to prevent this cancer.

Stating that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women under 45 years of age in the world, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics and Gynecology Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Orhan Ünal gave important information. According to the latest statistics, cervical cancer is among the most common cancers in Turkey and the rate is 12th. Prof. Dr. Orhan Ünal added: "500 thousand cases are reported every year. For this reason, the loss of life rates can be very high. Screening is very important here. The reason for the decrease in cases in some countries is the increasing number of screenings. What is wanted with screening is to determine the vaginal smear test and the types of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) that cause cancer, to determine the pre-cancerous lesions that may occur years later by taking a colposcopy examination and, if necessary, a biopsy."

Vaccines Are Recommended from the Age of 9

Underlining the importance of the HPV vaccine in order to prevent cervical cancer, Prof. Dr. Orhan Ünal said, "Vaccination can occur from the age of 9 until the age of 26. It is recommended as 2 doses between 9-11 years of age and 3 doses between 12-26 years of age (2 months and 6 months apart). If we look at the types of these vaccines, there are 2 (HPV 16,18) and 4 (HPV 6,11,16,18) vaccines. The 2-point vaccine is being used against the most cancer-causing type of HPV. Low-risk types have lower rates of cancer. Even if vaccinated, cervical cancer screenings should continue. Just as people continue to wear a mask and distance themselves despite being vaccinated against Covid-19, screenings should continue after the HPV vaccine. When vaccinated, he warned, "other types of HPV cannot be prevented from causing disease."

To Reduce Disease Rates in Women, Men Should Also Be Vaccinated

Explaining that the HPV vaccine should be given not only to women but also to men, Prof. Dr. Ünal  gave these warnings:

"There are also warts in which HPV 6,11 types transmitted by sexual contact are effective. These are among the most common ailments. Therefore, we apply the 4-vaccine in these. Many types cause cervical cancer or what we call carcinogens. There was also a nine-vaccine that was effective against all nine types of HPV. However, this vaccine has not yet arrived in Turkey. Therefore, we recommend that the 4-way vaccine be administered at an early age. It can take up to five years for the body to make antibodies. Therefore, vaccination at an early age provides antibody development before sexual life starts at an early age. This vaccine can be given until the age of 45, but the period when the most antibodies will be formed is early age. HPV vaccines should also be given to men. Especially in Australia, these vaccines are implemented as a state policy. The disease may also be passed on to men. In fact, it is possible to find head and neck cancers in men who receive this virus. Conditions such as polygamy, starting sex at an early age, having given birth too much, using birth control pills for a long time, and smoking habits are among the risk factors for developing cancer. As a result, men need to be vaccinated in order not to be exposed to the sad consequences of this virus and not to infect women."

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