This document provides frequently asked questions for healthcare workers about HPV and cervical cancer prevention. It discusses that HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer and can be prevented through vaccination. It recommends girls ages 9-14 receive the HPV vaccine and that women ages 30-49 be screened for cervical cancer. Abnormal screening results may indicate pre-cancerous lesions, which can be treated to prevent the development of cervical cancer if left untreated. The efforts of healthcare workers are essential to increase HPV vaccination and screening coverage to end cervical cancer.
On 4 March 2022, International Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Day, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) supports the International Papillomavirus Society’s (IPVS) #OneLessWorry campaign, that aims to raise awareness of the virus, and the tools to overcome it, such as screening and vaccination programmes. HPV can cause cancer and is responsible for almost half a million deaths globally each year.
#OneLessWorry #HPV #EliminateCervicalCancer #CANSACervicalCancerAwareness
Find out more:
https://cansa.org.za/cervical-cancer/
HPV Vaccine: It is a vaccine given in teenagers or kids age to protect form various cancer arising due to getting infected with human papilloma virus. So HPV vaccine is to protect from HPV infection. Various cancers that HPV causes are: In women: cervix, vagina and vulva; in men: penis; in both men and women: anus, base of tounge and throat. Usual spread of this infection is through direct contact.
On 4 March 2022, International Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Day, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) supports the International Papillomavirus Society’s (IPVS) #OneLessWorry campaign, that aims to raise awareness of the virus, and the tools to overcome it, such as screening and vaccination programmes. HPV can cause cancer and is responsible for almost half a million deaths globally each year.
#OneLessWorry #HPV #EliminateCervicalCancer #CANSACervicalCancerAwareness
Find out more:
https://cansa.org.za/cervical-cancer/
HPV Vaccine: It is a vaccine given in teenagers or kids age to protect form various cancer arising due to getting infected with human papilloma virus. So HPV vaccine is to protect from HPV infection. Various cancers that HPV causes are: In women: cervix, vagina and vulva; in men: penis; in both men and women: anus, base of tounge and throat. Usual spread of this infection is through direct contact.
HPV Vaccine: A Breakthrough In Prevention of Cervical CancerApollo Hospitals
Cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers in women. As it affects young women it has grave
personal, social and economic consequences. It is unfortunate that despite cancer cervix being a preventable
disease, we have failed to reduce the number of deaths related to it. Recent developments in the understanding of the disease process and its link to the oncogenic strains of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has opened new avenues in
the way of prevention of cervical cancer.
Human PapillomavirusVaccineUSU, FNP 590 Health Promotion, EdNarcisaBrandenburg70
Human Papillomavirus
Vaccine
USU, FNP 590 Health Promotion, Education, and Disease Prevention Across the Lifespan
Our Group 2 presentation is on the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine. We will talk about what the HPV virus is, how you contact the virus and can prevent getting the virus, some information about the vaccine which includes some pros/cons and the issues and controversy surrounding it.
1
HPV is a group of approximately 150 related viruses that can lead up to 6 different types of cancers later on in life.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
HPV appears as skin or mucous membrane growths on the vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, and scrotum.
What is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?
HPV is spread from skin to skin sexual contact with someone who has the virus.
HPV is the most common STD. Most people do not know they have it unless they feel or see the skin irritation and see their physician for diagnosis but the lesions usually go away on their own.
How do you get HPV?
The best way to prevent contracting HPV is to avoid sexual contact with someone who has the virus.
The HPV vaccine significantly reduces your chances of contracting the virus.
Prevention of HPV
HPV vaccination
-The vaccine is recommended for children at age 11-12 years old.
-Most children only require two doses of the vaccine when vaccinated before age 15.
-Studies suggest that the protection provided by the HPV vaccine is long lasting. Data from patients followed for 10 years substantiates protection has remained high in those individuals. There has been no evidence of the protection decreasing over time.
-Over 120 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been distributed since the vaccine was licensed, and data continue to show the vaccine is safe and effective.
-HPV infections, genital warts, and cervical pre-cancers have dropped significantly since the vaccine has been in use in the United States.
-Studies indicate there have been reductions of HPV cases due to vaccines:
* 86% among teenage girls
* 71% among adult young women
* 40% among women
The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls at 11-12 years of age but can be given as young as 9 and up to 14 years of age and in 2 doses that are 6-12 months apart. If the vaccine is given after age 15 up through the age of 26, there are 3 doses required. The vaccine is not recommended for people over the age of 26 but can be a discussion with their doctor if they were never vaccinated at a younger age to discuss their risk for contracting HPV and the possible benefits to receiving the vaccine at this time.
It is recommended to receive the vaccine at the younger age prior to becoming sexually active.
The vaccine should not be given to people that have had a prior allergic reaction to vaccines or who are pregnant.
There are 3 different vaccines but the Gardasil 9 is the one given in the United States.
As healthcare pro ...
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)? Infections and Prevention | The Lifescien...The Lifesciences Magazine
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) stands as a dynamic and diverse family of viruses, offering both benign encounters and the potential for severe health implications.
Things You Need to Know About Cervical Health Awareness MonthDr. Martha Tara Lee
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. ❤️
We think it’s important to share information about how one can protect themselves from HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer.
HPV is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity, and it causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.
✔️ Get vaccinated against HPV.
The most common form of the vaccine protects against two types of HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancers: types 16 and 18. The vaccine also protects against four other high-risk types (6, 11, 16, and 18).
✔️ Talk with your doctor or nurse about the HPV vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for those aged 11-12. It is given in three doses over six months. The vaccine protects against most types of HPV that cause both cervical cancer and genital warts. It’s safe and effective when given at the recommended age.
👉 Early detection is key to preventing cervical cancer.
We hope this post has given you a better understanding of what cervical health awareness month is, why it’s important, and how to take control of your own health. The more informed we are, the more we can do for ourselves. And remember: don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Created by Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist Dr Martha Tara Lee of Eros Coaching. Hire her at http://www.ErosCoachig.com
Guarding Against Cancer_ The Impact of Vaccination on Prevention and Protecti...MrMed.in
Vaccines are substances that help stimulate the individuals' immune response against the disease-causing agents (antigens). From COVID-19 to Cancer, vaccines play a tremendous role in preventing the health of the body.
Beyond Cervical Cancer: What You Need to Know About HPV.pptxbkling
While HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, there are also several other HPV-related cancers. If you’ve had cervical cancer, it’s essential to understand your potential risk for these other cancers and what you can do. Join us and Dr. Keith Sigel, Associate Professor in the Division of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai, to learn more about the other cancers HPV can lead to and how you can take control of your health.
HPV Vaccine: A Breakthrough In Prevention of Cervical CancerApollo Hospitals
Cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers in women. As it affects young women it has grave
personal, social and economic consequences. It is unfortunate that despite cancer cervix being a preventable
disease, we have failed to reduce the number of deaths related to it. Recent developments in the understanding of the disease process and its link to the oncogenic strains of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has opened new avenues in
the way of prevention of cervical cancer.
Human PapillomavirusVaccineUSU, FNP 590 Health Promotion, EdNarcisaBrandenburg70
Human Papillomavirus
Vaccine
USU, FNP 590 Health Promotion, Education, and Disease Prevention Across the Lifespan
Our Group 2 presentation is on the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine. We will talk about what the HPV virus is, how you contact the virus and can prevent getting the virus, some information about the vaccine which includes some pros/cons and the issues and controversy surrounding it.
1
HPV is a group of approximately 150 related viruses that can lead up to 6 different types of cancers later on in life.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
HPV appears as skin or mucous membrane growths on the vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, and scrotum.
What is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?
HPV is spread from skin to skin sexual contact with someone who has the virus.
HPV is the most common STD. Most people do not know they have it unless they feel or see the skin irritation and see their physician for diagnosis but the lesions usually go away on their own.
How do you get HPV?
The best way to prevent contracting HPV is to avoid sexual contact with someone who has the virus.
The HPV vaccine significantly reduces your chances of contracting the virus.
Prevention of HPV
HPV vaccination
-The vaccine is recommended for children at age 11-12 years old.
-Most children only require two doses of the vaccine when vaccinated before age 15.
-Studies suggest that the protection provided by the HPV vaccine is long lasting. Data from patients followed for 10 years substantiates protection has remained high in those individuals. There has been no evidence of the protection decreasing over time.
-Over 120 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been distributed since the vaccine was licensed, and data continue to show the vaccine is safe and effective.
-HPV infections, genital warts, and cervical pre-cancers have dropped significantly since the vaccine has been in use in the United States.
-Studies indicate there have been reductions of HPV cases due to vaccines:
* 86% among teenage girls
* 71% among adult young women
* 40% among women
The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls at 11-12 years of age but can be given as young as 9 and up to 14 years of age and in 2 doses that are 6-12 months apart. If the vaccine is given after age 15 up through the age of 26, there are 3 doses required. The vaccine is not recommended for people over the age of 26 but can be a discussion with their doctor if they were never vaccinated at a younger age to discuss their risk for contracting HPV and the possible benefits to receiving the vaccine at this time.
It is recommended to receive the vaccine at the younger age prior to becoming sexually active.
The vaccine should not be given to people that have had a prior allergic reaction to vaccines or who are pregnant.
There are 3 different vaccines but the Gardasil 9 is the one given in the United States.
As healthcare pro ...
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)? Infections and Prevention | The Lifescien...The Lifesciences Magazine
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) stands as a dynamic and diverse family of viruses, offering both benign encounters and the potential for severe health implications.
Things You Need to Know About Cervical Health Awareness MonthDr. Martha Tara Lee
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. ❤️
We think it’s important to share information about how one can protect themselves from HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer.
HPV is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity, and it causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.
✔️ Get vaccinated against HPV.
The most common form of the vaccine protects against two types of HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancers: types 16 and 18. The vaccine also protects against four other high-risk types (6, 11, 16, and 18).
✔️ Talk with your doctor or nurse about the HPV vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for those aged 11-12. It is given in three doses over six months. The vaccine protects against most types of HPV that cause both cervical cancer and genital warts. It’s safe and effective when given at the recommended age.
👉 Early detection is key to preventing cervical cancer.
We hope this post has given you a better understanding of what cervical health awareness month is, why it’s important, and how to take control of your own health. The more informed we are, the more we can do for ourselves. And remember: don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Created by Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist Dr Martha Tara Lee of Eros Coaching. Hire her at http://www.ErosCoachig.com
Guarding Against Cancer_ The Impact of Vaccination on Prevention and Protecti...MrMed.in
Vaccines are substances that help stimulate the individuals' immune response against the disease-causing agents (antigens). From COVID-19 to Cancer, vaccines play a tremendous role in preventing the health of the body.
Beyond Cervical Cancer: What You Need to Know About HPV.pptxbkling
While HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, there are also several other HPV-related cancers. If you’ve had cervical cancer, it’s essential to understand your potential risk for these other cancers and what you can do. Join us and Dr. Keith Sigel, Associate Professor in the Division of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai, to learn more about the other cancers HPV can lead to and how you can take control of your health.
Antibiotic Stewardship by Anushri Srivastava.pptxAnushriSrivastav
Stewardship is the act of taking good care of something.
Antimicrobial stewardship is a coordinated program that promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials (including antibiotics), improves patient outcomes, reduces microbial resistance, and decreases the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.
WHO launched the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) in 2015 to fill knowledge gaps and inform strategies at all levels.
ACCORDING TO apic.org,
Antimicrobial stewardship is a coordinated program that promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials (including antibiotics), improves patient outcomes, reduces microbial resistance, and decreases the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.
ACCORDING TO pewtrusts.org,
Antibiotic stewardship refers to efforts in doctors’ offices, hospitals, long term care facilities, and other health care settings to ensure that antibiotics are used only when necessary and appropriate
According to WHO,
Antimicrobial stewardship is a systematic approach to educate and support health care professionals to follow evidence-based guidelines for prescribing and administering antimicrobials
In 1996, John McGowan and Dale Gerding first applied the term antimicrobial stewardship, where they suggested a causal association between antimicrobial agent use and resistance. They also focused on the urgency of large-scale controlled trials of antimicrobial-use regulation employing sophisticated epidemiologic methods, molecular typing, and precise resistance mechanism analysis.
Antimicrobial Stewardship(AMS) refers to the optimal selection, dosing, and duration of antimicrobial treatment resulting in the best clinical outcome with minimal side effects to the patients and minimal impact on subsequent resistance.
According to the 2019 report, in the US, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur each year, and more than 35000 people die. In addition to this, it also mentioned that 223,900 cases of Clostridoides difficile occurred in 2017, of which 12800 people died. The report did not include viruses or parasites
VISION
Being proactive
Supporting optimal animal and human health
Exploring ways to reduce overall use of antimicrobials
Using the drugs that prevent and treat disease by killing microscopic organisms in a responsible way
GOAL
to prevent the generation and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Doing so will preserve the effectiveness of these drugs in animals and humans for years to come.
being to preserve human and animal health and the effectiveness of antimicrobial medications.
to implement a multidisciplinary approach in assembling a stewardship team to include an infectious disease physician, a clinical pharmacist with infectious diseases training, infection preventionist, and a close collaboration with the staff in the clinical microbiology laboratory
to prevent antimicrobial overuse, misuse and abuse.
to minimize the developme
India Clinical Trials Market: Industry Size and Growth Trends [2030] Analyzed...Kumar Satyam
According to TechSci Research report, "India Clinical Trials Market- By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F," the India Clinical Trials Market was valued at USD 2.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.64% through 2030. The market is driven by a variety of factors, making India an attractive destination for pharmaceutical companies and researchers. India's vast and diverse patient population, cost-effective operational environment, and a large pool of skilled medical professionals contribute significantly to the market's growth. Additionally, increasing government support in streamlining regulations and the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases further propel the clinical trials market.
Growing Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases
The rising incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer is a major trend driving the clinical trials market in India. These conditions necessitate the development and testing of new treatment methods, creating a robust demand for clinical trials. The increasing burden of these diseases highlights the need for innovative therapies and underscores the importance of India as a key player in global clinical research.
Telehealth Psychology Building Trust with Clients.pptxThe Harvest Clinic
Telehealth psychology is a digital approach that offers psychological services and mental health care to clients remotely, using technologies like video conferencing, phone calls, text messaging, and mobile apps for communication.
CHAPTER 1 SEMESTER V PREVENTIVE-PEDIATRICS.pdfSachin Sharma
This content provides an overview of preventive pediatrics. It defines preventive pediatrics as preventing disease and promoting children's physical, mental, and social well-being to achieve positive health. It discusses antenatal, postnatal, and social preventive pediatrics. It also covers various child health programs like immunization, breastfeeding, ICDS, and the roles of organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and nurses in preventive pediatrics.
We understand the unique challenges pickleball players face and are committed to helping you stay healthy and active. In this presentation, we’ll explore the three most common pickleball injuries and provide strategies for prevention and treatment.
1. it’s time to end
cervical cancer
WHAT HEALTH PROVIDERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS
AND CERVICAL CANCER:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
2.
3. 1
introduction
This booklet provides healthcare workers information
on the basic concepts of cervical cancer prevention
and control. Information is provided on the benefits of
human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, the importance
of screening to detect precancerous lesions, and the need
for timely treatment. Healthcare workers are often called
upon to explain the benefits of HPV vaccination, dispel
rumors and myths about this vaccine, explain screening
procedures and treatment methods for precancerous
lesions, as well as answer other questions and concerns
regarding cervical cancer prevention. Healthcare workers
play an important role in educating and motivating girls and
women to be vaccinated against HPV, to seek screening
and treatment services, and to have access to these
services. The efforts of healthcare workers are essential
to ensure the success of cervical cancer prevention and
control programs.
In the Americas, cervical
cancer causes more than
34,000 deaths per year.
The contribution of healthcare workers in increasing HPV
vaccination and screening coverage is a critical step to
end cervical cancer.
4. 2
What is cervical
cancer?
Cancer is a disease in which cells multiply
uncontrollably. When cancer develops
in the cervix, or neck of the uterus, it is
identified as cervical cancer. If the cancer
continues to grow, it can spread to other
parts of the body, beyond the cervix.
What is the cause of
cervical cancer?
Persistent infection with high-risk types
of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the
main cause of cervical cancer.
What is the human
papillomavirus?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common
virus, transmitted through skin-to-skin
sexual contact. Most people will have an
HPV infection during their lifetime, even
though they do not know they have it and
many may not have any signs or symptoms
of infection. Most HPV infections clear
on their own.
Can all types of HPV
cause cervical cancer?
There are over 100 types of HPV. There are
low-risk HPV types, many of which cause
genital warts. These are not related to
cancer. There are high-risk HPV types
that cause cervical cancer and other HPV-
related cancers. Persistent infection with
high-risk HPV can cause precancerous
cervical lesions. If the lesions are not
detected and not treated, they can
slowly develop into cervical cancer.
Does HPV cause any
other disease?
In rare cases, HPV can cause other types
of cancer, including vaginal, vulvar, penile,
anal or oral cancer. HPV can also cause
genital warts in both men and women.
What are genital
warts?
Genital warts are infections of the skin
caused by low-risk types of HPV. Genital
warts will not develop into cervical cancer,
but they may require treatment if they
do not go away on their own.
Who is at risk
of developing
cervical cancer?
Generally, women who are over 30
years of age and have a persistent
infection with high-risk types of HPV
can develop cervical cancer. Other risk
factors for cervical cancer are: multiple
sexual partners; early age at first birth;
5. 3
giving birth to three or more children;
HIV-positive status; tobacco smoking.
Do intrauterine
contraceptive
devices (IUDs) or birth
control pills cause
cervical cancer?
No. IUDs and birth control pills do not
cause cervical cancer. They protect against
unplanned pregnancies.
How can cervical
cancer be prevented?
The most effective ways to prevent cervical
cancer are to vaccinate girls against HPV,
before their first sexual contact, and to
screen women aged 30–49 years or
according to the national guideline. If
a woman’s screening test is abnormal,
she needs to be treated promptly. If the
test is normal, it’s a good idea to have
repeat screenings, according to national
guidelines. Sexually active people should
practice behaviors that prevent the spread
of sexually transmitted infections (e.g.
using condoms, having as few sexual
partners as possible).
What is the link
between HPV and
cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is caused by persistent
infection with high-risk HPV types. The
infection can cause lesions on the cervix,
which, over time, if they are not detected
and treated, will lead to cancer. Lesions
refer to changes in the cells of the cervix,
caused by the HPV infection. They are
painless, invisible, and cannot be felt.
Can men also be infected
by HPV?
Yes, men can have an HPV infection.
HPV-related cancer in men, include
anal, penile and oral cancer, but these
are less common than cervical cancer in
women. In some countries, HPV vaccines
are administered to boys to prevent these
types of cancer and warts.
Does HPV produce
symptoms?
An HPV infection does not produce
symptoms, which is why it is important
for women to be screened for cervical
cancer. HPV infection will most often
disappear on its own, from the body’s
natural immune response, particularly
in younger women.
6. 4
Can HPV be treated?
There is no treatment for HPV infection,
but there is treatment for the health effects
of HPV infection. Warts can be removed.
Cervical precancerous lesions can be
treated, depending on the extent of the
lesion, with freezing (cryotherapy) or
removing (with LEEP or other methods)
the HPV-infected cervical cells.
Can HPV infection
be prevented?
Yes, HPV vaccines prevent infection from
HPV. They are safe and effective. Condoms
help reduce the chance of HPV infection
but do not completely prevent infection,
since HPV can be harbored in places in
the genital and anal area that are not
protected by a condom. Condom use
is advisable since condoms can prevent
other sexually transmitted infections and
unplanned pregnancies.
Why do girls need to be
vaccinated against HPV?
The HPV vaccine is needed to prevent
infection by the high-risk types of HPV
and greatly reduce the risk of developing
cervical cancer, which is one of the leading
causes of cancer death among women
in the world.
Does the HPV vaccine
protect against
sexually transmitted
infections?
No. Regardless of having been vacci-
nated against HPV, women should use
the recommended measures to prevent
sexually transmitted infections.
Who should receive
the HPV vaccine?
PAHO/WHO recommends that girls aged
9‑14 years should receive the HPV vaccine.
However, country vaccination guidelines
may vary.
What is the
recommended schedule
for the HPV vaccine?
PAHO/WHO recommends two doses
of HPV vaccines in girls aged 9-14 years
7. 5
of age, with the second dose 6 months
after the first. Country guidelines may vary.
There is no maximum interval between
the two doses; however, a range of no
greater than 12-15 months is suggested.
How long will the
HPV vaccine protect
against infection?
The evidence indicates that the pro-
tection conferred by the HPV vaccine
is long-lasting.
Can HPV vaccines get
rid of HPV infections?
No. An HPV vaccine cannot get rid of
HPV infections that may be present when
the vaccine is administered.
Will a woman still need
to be screened for
cervical cancer even
if she was vaccinated
against HPV?
It is very important for women aged
30‑49 years to receive cervical cancer
screening, even if they were previously
vaccinated against HPV.
Are the HPV vaccines
safe and effective?
Yes. As with all vaccines, the safety and
effectiveness of HPV vaccines is monitored
very carefully. Studies have demonstra-
ted the safety and effectiveness of HPV
vaccines. In addition, millions of people
around the world have received the HPV
vaccine, without serious adverse events.
Why is the HPV vaccine
recommended for girls
aged 9-14 years?
For the HPV vaccine to be effective, it
must be administered before their first
sexual contact.
What are the common
adverse reactions to
the HPV vaccine?
The common adverse reactions to the
HPV vaccine are pain and redness at
the injection site, fever, headache and
8. 6
nausea. They are usually mild reactions
that resolve spontaneously.
Why are girls fainting
after getting an
HPV vaccine?
Adolescents are particularly prone to
fainting after any medical procedure,
including receiving vaccines, because
they are often very nervous about the
procedure. To prevent falls and injuries due
to fainting, the girl receiving the vaccine
needs to be seated before, during and
for 15 minutes after the vaccine is given.
Does vaccination
against HPV affect
fertility? Will it be
more difficult for
vaccinated girls to
become pregnant
or to carry a
pregnancy to term?
Cohort studies of vaccinated girls have
found no evidence that vaccination
against HPV affects a girl’s future fer-
tility nor that it causes any problems in
future pregnancies.
Are all recommended
doses necessary for
a girl to be fully
protected against HPV?
Isn’t one dose enough?
The HPV vaccine requires more than
one dose to be effective. Without all the
recommended doses, the HPV vaccine
might not be completely effective in
preventing cervical cancer. It is impor-
tant that girls receive all recommended
doses and observe the minimum and
maximum intervals between the doses
to be fully protected.
Are there girls
who should not
be vaccinated?
Girls who have an acute illness of moderate
or severe intensity should wait until they
are well to get vaccinated. Girls who have
been previously vaccinated against HPV
and have had a severe allergy require a
medical evaluation before being vaccinated.
Pregnant women should not be vaccinated.
9. 7
If a girl has a cold, can
she get vaccinated?
If at the time of vaccination, the girl has a
cold, she can receive the HPV vaccine, since
the common cold is not a contraindication
for vaccination.
What is cervical
cancer screening?
Cervical cancer screening is the testing
of all women at risk for cervical cancer, to
check for any early changes in the cervix.
If precancerous lesions are detected, but
not treated, they will evolve to cancer
over time.
Who should be screened
for cervical cancer?
Women aged 30-49 years of age (or as
indicated by national guidelines) should be
screened for cervical cancer. Women who
test positive for HIV should be screened
for cervical cancer, regardless of their age.
If a woman does not
have any symptoms,
why should she
undergo screening?
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV
can cause changes in the cells of the
cervix, called pre-cancer, which does
not have symptoms. Women must be
screened at least once between the
ages of 30 and 49 years and must be
treated if there are signs of pre-cancer
or cancer.
What is done during
screening?
There are different tests that can be
used to screen women for cervical
cancer. For most tests, the healthcare
provider will do a pelvic examination to
gently swab the cervix. While the test
is not painful, it can be a little uncom-
fortable for the woman to have a pelvic
examination. The healthcare provider
should try to make it as comfortable
as possible for the woman. Some tests
give the results right away and others
require sending the sample to a labo-
ratory and waiting for results.
What happens if
the screening test
result is normal?
If the screening test is normal, it means
that the woman does not have any
changes that might develop into cervi-
cal cancer. It is important for women to
be screened regularly, as indicated by
national guidelines.
10. 8
What happens if
the screening test
result is abnormal?
In most cases, an abnormal screening
test means the woman has pre-cancer,
a condition that needs to be treated in
a health clinic.
Does an abnormal
screening result
mean that a woman
has cancer?
An abnormal screening test does not
mean that a woman has cancer. Most
often it means that she has pre-cancer,
or early changes that could become
cancer in many years if not treated.
Pre-cancer is easy to treat. Very rarely
a woman is found to have signs of cer-
vical cancer at the time of screening.
If signs of possible cancer are found,
the woman will need to be referred to
a hospital for further testing and/or
treatment. It is important to treat all
precancerous and cancerous lesions.
How is pre-cancer
treated?
The treatment for pre-cancer is to remove
the lesions, either by freezing (cryotherapy)
or ablation. Cryotherapy involves freezing
the lesions. It is not painful, although
it involves a pelvic examination, which
can be uncomfortable. It is effective and
safe. Another treatment method is loop
electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).
Are screening
TESTS painful?
Screening tests are painless, though
women may feel a little uncomfortable
during a pelvic examination. No part of
the cervix or womb is removed during
a screening test.
Is only one screening
enough?
If a woman is screened at least once in
her lifetime, between the ages of 30 and
49 years, it may offer some protection.
However, if it is possible to screen the
woman more than once, this should be
done according to the frequency defined
by the country’s screening guidelines.