The narrow, lower part of the female reproductive system is called cervix which connects the uterus to the vagina or birth canal. Cancer which develops in the cells of the cervix results in cervical cancer. Before cancer develops in the cervix, the cells here undergo changes known as dysplasia. At this stage, abnormal cells start appearing in the cervical tissue which, if not treated, can develop into cancerous cells over time. Fortunately, today the HPV vaccine is available which offers protection against cervical cancer. This blog highlights the types of cervical cancers, vaccines available to guard against HPV, and the role of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer.

Different forms of Cervical Cancer

Depending upon the type of cell where the cancer has started, cervical cancer can be categorized into two types:
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Up to 90% of all cervical cancers are of this kind. This cancer develops in the cells of the ectocervix.
• Adenocarcinoma: This type of cervical cancer forms in the glandular cells of the endocervix.
• Adenosquamous carcinoma: This type shows features of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

All about the HPV Vaccine

HPV vaccine prevents against HPV (human pappillomavirus) infection which is commonly transmitted sexually. Other than cervical cancer, HPV infection can result in genital warts. HPV vaccine plays an important role by preventing HPV infections from turning into cancers (e.g. cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, or anal) or genital warts.

There are over 40 strains of HPV that can spread through sexual contact. There are three different types of HPV vaccines, each providing protection against a different strain of HPV.

Gardasil-9 vaccine

This is the most commonly used HPV vaccine which provides a comprehensive protection against most HPV infections. This HPV vaccine protects against:
• HPV-16 and HPV-18: These variants are among the two most high-risk strains of HPV. These cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of anal cancers.
• HPV-31, 33, 45, 52 & 58: Altogether, these strains of HPV contribute to remaining 20% of cervical cancers.
• HPV-6 & HPV-11: These two are low-risk strains of HPV and don’t cause cancer. However, they are responsible for causing almost 90% of genital warts.
Gardasil- This vaccine offers protection against HPV-16 & HPV-18 (high-risk strains associated with cancer) as well as HPV-6 & HPV-11 (low-risk strains associated with genital warts). However, this original Gardasil vaccine does not offer protection against additional HPV strains that cause remaining 20% of cancer, unlike Gardasil-9.
Cervarix- This vaccine only protects against high-risk strains of HPV that cause cancer i.e. HPV-16 and HPV-18. It also does not offer protection against genital warts.

Benefits of getting the HPV vaccine

• Prevents HPV infection: The HPV vaccine protects against high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus or HPV, namely HPV-16 and HPV-18. Thus, it becomes imperative for females who are sexually active to take this vaccine.
• Reduces precancerous cervical lesions: This is also done by the HPV vaccine as an added effect by decreasing abnormal cervical cell changes and stimulating the production of high-level neutralizing antibodies.
• Lowering cervical cancer incidence: Rate of incidence of cervical cancer has considerably gone down after the HPV vaccine has been made available.

While regular screening for cervical cancer remains essential, widespread vaccination can contribute towards reducing the incidence of precancerous lesions which can lead to cervical cancer. By combining powerful tools like public awareness and early vaccination, especially for high-risk (sexually active) group, we can take a step closer towards a future where cervical cancer is largely preventable. An HPV vaccination shot today can indeed save precious lives tomorrow!