HPV (the human papilloma virus, transmitted through sexual intercourse) is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. HPV testing, which is now available at our centre, can help identify those women at greater risk of cervical cancer.
Gardasil: A Vaccine that can Prevent Cervical Cancer:
1. What is it?
Gardasil is a vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer. Gardasil can prevent high-grade cervical dysplasia (CIN 2/3). Gardasil has demonstrated excellent results against low-grade cervical dysplasia (CIN 1). It can also prevent vulval pre-cancers and external genital warts.
2. Who should be vaccinated?
Vaccination is recommended for girls of 9-15 years of age and young women of 16-26 years of age. It also benefits older women, but to a lesser extent.
3. How does it work?
Gardasil is a vaccine that protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. These four types of virus are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer and 90% of genital warts.
4. How Gardasil is given?
Gardasil requires a total of three injections at the following intervals: initial dose, second dose at two months, third dose at six months.
5. Are there any side effects?
The vaccine is usually well tolerated. The most likely side effects are pain, itching, swelling at the injection site and fever.
6. Facts about cervical cancer:
Cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women under the age of 35 in the UK. On average 21 women die of cervical cancer each year in the UK.
What should I do?
♦ Make an appointment for a consultation.
♦ Your Thin Prep test will be done during the consultation.
♦ The results will be ready in seven days.
