Aims of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Cervix is the neck of the uterus. It is the bottom, slim part of the uterus which is connected to the topmost part of the vagina. Cervical cancer is believed to be due to the infection caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). The malignant symptoms of this cancer include bleeding of the vagina, contact bleeding and vaginal mass. Other symptoms include moderate pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge. In the advanced stages of this disease, a person experiences loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain, single swollen leg, heavy vaginal bleeding, bone fractures and leaking of urine or feces from the vagina.

Because of the growing cases of cervical cancer each year, a cervical cancer vaccine was made available. It was aimed to provide protection from HPV which is believed to be the root cause of most cervical cancer. Gardasil is the first cervical cancer vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Its effectiveness is said to be up to 98%. Cervarix is the other cervical cancer vaccine which is already in use in some countries. But in other countries, it is still waiting for approval before its full campaign. Gardasil vaccine protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Cervarix is said to be 92% effective against HPV 16 and 18. HPV types 6 and 11 are considered as the cause for 90% reason for all genital warts issues. HPV 16 and 18, on the other hand, are considered as the cause for 70% of all cervical cancer issues. The vaccine aims to particularly block the causes of the cancer (such as the HPV) to even get to the core.

Out of the 11,000 American women established to have cervical cancer yearly, close to 4,000 of them die because of the said disease. Is the fifth most common cancer that causes death amongst women. At present, Gardasil and Cervarix are highly recommend to women from ages nine to twenty five years old who never experienced HPV yet. But another study shows that this HPV vaccine can also be effective for women from ages forty-five and above.

Gardasil vaccination among men reduces their risk of getting genital warts and precancerous lesions because of the HPV. This vaccine is particularly popular among gay men. Aside from getting genital warts, they are the ones more likely to have penile and anal cancers as well.

At present, Gardasil is not recommended to pregnant women since its long term fertility effect is not yet known.

Until today, vaccines are reported to be safe. In the United States, more than sixteen million doses of the vaccine were dispensed already. Amongst the most common side-effects are soreness where the injection was done, slight fever, dizziness and fainting. However, all these are only considered common mild effects. There were also reports of some serious side-effects such as brain swelling, severe allergic response, paralysis, weakness and death; however, these were not linked to the vaccine itself. Still, the FDA continues to monitor on this.

Cervical Cancer Vaccines - A General Insight

Cervical cancer has been eating away a huge number of women. To be particular about 4000 women die each year due to cervical cancer. The number is growing frivolously, but thanks to the vaccine that has been discovered to fight Virus (HPV or Human Papillovirusa). Worst part of being faced with this cancer is that it forms in teenagers or women in their early twenties. However, it is only in the later stage of life that one realises its deadliness as it is a slower killer and a smooth operator. For it begins along the cervix's lining and then connect the uterus, this process takes a good amount of years before it completely. Jade Goody, controversial realty TV star raised awareness about this cancer and people have now started seeking more and more correct information of HPV.

If you are mother of a teenage daughter, here is what you always wanted to know about cervical cancer vaccine before giving it to your daughter.

How is HPV transmitted?

It is a most common sexually transmitting virus that gets passed on by oral, anal and genital sex. If one gets infected and her immune system is strong enough, the infection can be cleared in 2 years flat. However, if her body is coupled with some other disorder chances of this infection growing at decent speed arises. In Damages caused by HPV virus causes cancer. Now couple of vaccines are available as a precautionary measure which young girls need to be consumed before they begin their coital relationship.

Diagnosis?

This cancer can be diagnosed with certain number of tests. See your doctor to get yourself tested on them.

How vaccines operate and when to take the shot?

· Currently available vaccines are Gardasil and Cervarix.

· They induct antigens which are added to the immune system and are responsible to protect the body against certain cancer causing viruses and its strains.

· It stops any cancerous viruses to do damage to your system and if they already exist in your body, then it will stop it from multiplying.

· You have to take three shots of this vaccine. Gap between the first and second should 1 month, while between second and three should be four months.

· It shouldn't be consumed by pregnant women or new mothers who are breastfeeding

Does it have any side effect?

Just like any other vaccine, HPV vaccine also shows side effects that one must be prepared to face, which include: pain and swelling around the injected area which can be relieved by apply ice. Some have suffered diarrhea and blisters around the injected area.

When to get vaccine, ideally?

Before one becomes sexually active, she should be vaccine. For in certain cases it was observed that it was too late to vaccine women for they had already acquired this dangerous cancer.

Currently, the activists and health specialists are targeting the young girls between the age group of 12-15 years, just when they are attaining their puberty. It is available in most of the clinics.

How long will the vaccine be effective?

The last updated study shows that its effect lasts for five years. It will be few years before one can mention confidently about how long the effect will last, for the vaccines are hardly half a decade old. Coming years will show how long many cervical cancer cases have been reduced by this vaccine

Will it still call for medical check up?

Of course! Remember no vaccine or medicine is full proof and hence, one always needs to undergo smears, physical examination and complete body check up to make sure that you are in a fit shape all the time. Also, it helps to detect any early beginning of a chronic disorder.

It is time to add this vaccine on your must-give-vaccines-for-your-child. To be on safer side, give her early on when she is just entering her puberty.