Specialist from Memorial Şişli Hospital, Department of Child Health and Diseases. Dr. Utkucan Uçkun gave information about the HPV virus and HPV vaccines.
“HPV does not only affect women”
Stating that cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer seen in women under the age of 35 and the most common cancer caused by HPV, Uz said. Dr. Utkucan Uçkun said, “Therefore, if precautions can be taken against HPV during adolescence, the number of cervical cancer cases in the future can be reduced. Apart from the cervix, HPV can also cause cancer of the genital area (vulva, vagina and penis), anus and oropharynx (mouth and pharynx). These cancers occur years after HPV infection. HPV types 16 and 18, in particular, underlie most cases of cervical cancer. In addition, HPV types such as 6 and 11 are responsible for more than 90 percent of genital warts. HPV infection is not a virus that only affects women. “It can also cause anus, oropharynx and penis cancers in men.” he said.
"9-valent vaccine provides protection against 9 risky types of HPV"
Upset. Dr. Utkucan Uçkun said, “HPV vaccine is a very effective vaccine in preventing HPV from being transmitted to the individual and can stop 99 percent of HPV infections. In addition to the quadruple HPV vaccine that protects against four HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18), the new vaccine, which is frequently used in Turkey, protects against 4 different HPV types (9, 6,11,16,18,31, 33, 45). , 52).” he said.
"Getting vaccinated at an early age reduces the risk of cervical cancer"
Studies conducted in countries where HPV vaccine is included in the routine vaccination program show that cervical cancer cases are almost 12 percent in women who started vaccination against HPV at the age of 13-87; Pointing out that vaccination decreased by 16 percent in the group where vaccination started at the age of 18-34, Uçkun said, "The probability of getting cervical cancer with the vaccine is much lower than without the vaccine, but 30 percent of cervical cancers are not related to the HPV types contained in the vaccine." he said and continued as follows:
”Like cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine will greatly reduce the risk of anal cancer. However, the risk for both types of cancer is not reset.”
"9 doses are recommended between the ages of 15-2, and 15 doses are recommended after the age of 3."
Stating that the vaccine can be applied and recommended to both girls and boys from the age of 9, Uçkun said, “The same type of vaccine is administered as an intramuscular injection for each dose. Mostly, no serious side effects are observed. The most common side effects are headache, which may resolve spontaneously over time, and tenderness in the injection area. Very rarely, some children may experience an allergic reaction to the HPV vaccine. If the first dose is started at age over 15 or if the individual's immune system is weak, three doses are needed instead of two. Studies have shown that two doses of vaccine before the age of 15 are as effective as three doses. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult your pediatrician about dosage and timing.” he said.
