The International Papillomavirus Association marks, globally, on March 4, International HPV (human papillomavirus) Awareness Day to draw attention to the risks associated with infection with this virus and the ways in which the diseases caused by it can be prevented, the Association reports Mothers for Mothers and the Coltea Clinical Hospital, in a press release sent on Saturday.
“Romania is the European Union country with the highest incidence (2.5 times higher) and mortality (more than 4 times) from cervical cancer. Annually, in Romania, HPV infections are responsible for the appearance of over 3,300 new cases of cervical cancer and over 1,500 women lose their lives due to this type of cancer, although the approximately 4 – 5 deaths occurring on average per day they are preventable through vaccination and screening. Half of the women who receive this diagnosis are under 55 years old, and in 75% of new cases of illness, it is about women of working age, up to 65 years old”, the press release states.
The good news is that there is a safe and effective way to prevent HPV infection: vaccination, according to the Association of Mothers for Mothers and the Coltea Hospital.
“The even better news is that the vaccine provides a very high degree of protection, over 90%, if it is administered in adolescence. And the best news is that the Romanian state provides the vaccine free of charge for all girls between 11 and 18 years old. That means 7 years of opportunity to protect ourselves from HPV infection and the cancers it can cause! The less good news is that currently only 10% of girls’ parents know and ask for this free vaccine for their children. On March 4, we are once again making a public gesture so that as many parents of girls as possible learn about the prevention of HPV infection, a vaccine that they can benefit from free of charge”, said Ana Măiţă, president of the Association of Mothers for Mothers.
In Romania, vaccination against HPV infections is included in the National Immunization Program for girls aged between 11 and 18 years. Vaccination is free and is done at the request of parents/legal representatives who will make a request to the family doctor.
In addition to cervical cancer, HPV infection is also associated with the development of other types of cancer that affect both women and men: for example, cancers of the male or female genital organs – penis, vagina or vulva or cancer of the anus.
The Coltea Clinical Hospital is a benchmark in treating patients with cervical cancer and beyond, which supports anti-HPV vaccination.
According to GLOBOCAN, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer among women in Romania. In the case of oropharyngeal cancers, Romania has the third highest incidence in the EU27 and the second highest death rate. The Mothers for Mothers Association is a member of the HPV Action Network working group, part of the European Cancer Organization, which aims to eliminate cancers and other diseases caused by HPV infection.
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