[메디컬투데이=최민석 기자] Since cervical cancer is mainly caused by viral infection, vaccination is possible, and it is the only cancer that can be prevented through a vaccine. The preventive effect is also high, reaching approximately 96.7%.
Cervical cancer refers to cancer that occurs in the cervix, the entrance to the uterus. HPV, which causes cervical cancer, is mostly spread through sexual intercourse, but there are quite a few cases of infection even without sexual experience. Therefore, we cannot unconditionally conclude that it is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Above all, there are many virus carriers who do not know whether they are infected because they do not have any special symptoms, so it is best to prevent it in advance through vaccination.
In particular, the prevalence of HPV types 16, 18, 52, and 58 is high among Korean women. However, the existing Gardasil quadrivalent can only prevent types 6, 11, 16, and 18. On the other hand, Gardasil 9-valent can also prevent HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Additional types with particularly high rates of infection among Korean women were added. Therefore, to prevent a wider range of HPV infections, it is advisable to receive the Gardasil 9-valent vaccine.
▲ Director Jeonghee Kwon (Photo = Provided by Jeonghee Kwon J Women’s Clinic)
Daegu Kwon Jeong-hee J. Women’s Clinic CEO Kwon Jeong-hee said, “We also recommend men to get vaccinated.” He added, “If men receive the vaccine, HPV infection will decrease, and not only cervical cancer in women, but also HPV-related cancers such as anal cancer and penile cancer in men. “It has many benefits, including preventing genital warts,” he advised.
The target age for Gardasil 9-valent vaccination is 9 to 45 years old. In particular, for those between the ages of 27 and 45, it is recommended that they undergo treatment after being examined by a medical staff due to the possibility of exposure to the virus. Basically, the number of vaccinations is 3 times for an adult. However, for those under 14 years of age, the preventive effect can be achieved with two doses of vaccination. Above all, it is important to complete all vaccinations within one year.
In particular, if the vaccine is administered before exposure to HPV, the prevention rate is high at 70-90%. However, even with sexual experience, infection with all high-risk HPV types is rare. Therefore, you can be prevented by getting vaccinated against viruses that you have not yet been infected with. In addition, even if you have been infected with the virus, it is advisable to get vaccinated to prevent future reinfection.
Meanwhile, Gardasil 9-valent side effects may occur for each individual, so it is necessary to look into side effects before vaccination. Typical side effects include pain at the injection site, which occurs in 80% of patients. In addition, local reactions such as swelling, hives, and itching and systemic reactions such as headache, fever, and muscle pain occur, but in most cases, symptoms are mild and not serious.
[ⓒ 메디컬투데이. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
2023-12-29 09:36:19
#pay #attention #Gardasil #vaccine #prevent #cervical #cancer
