Cervical Cancer and the Importance of HPV Vaccine

Abstract

Cervical cancer, the 5th rank among the most prevalent cancers in Thai women, is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The HPV contains over 200 serotypes, divided into two groups which are non-oncogenic types with a low chance of producing cancer and oncogenic types that are more likely to change cervical cells and develop cancer. HPV can be transmitted through sexual activity or genital contact. In addition, HPV infection can lead to genital wards and other cancers such as vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer and head and neck cancer. Males can also develop testicular cancer. Nowadays, cervical cancer is preventable by HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. In Thailand, there is a variety of HPV vaccines, including the bivalent, the 4-valent, and the 9-valent. The bivalent HPV vaccine, contains serotype 16 and 18. The 4-valent HPV vaccine contains serotype 6, 11, 16, and 18, and additionally covers genital warts prevention. The 9-valent HPV vaccine contains serotype 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 which includes five additional serotypes from the 4-valent HPV vaccine, and is expanded to include the prevention of oropharyngeal cancer, and other head and neck cancers.