Cervical Cancer and the Cervical Cancer Vaccination

Every 18 minutes, in Europe, a woman dies of Cervical Cancer.

 

DO YOU KNOW THAT…

…Cervical Cancer can affect all women – whatever their age?

…Cervical Cancer is a sexually transmitted disease which is caused by the oncogenic (cancer-causing) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types?

…HPV can be transmitted from the first skin-to-skin contact in the genital area?

…Regular smear tests are the most effective way of detecting cervical abnormalities which could be the early signs of cervical cancer?

…A vaccine has been developed that protects girls and women against the most common cancer-causing HPV types?

…Cervical Cancer vaccination is recommended to girls from the age of 10 and to women of all ages who are sexually active?

ACT NOW!!

Phone Saint James Hospital on 2329 1612 / 2329 1000 or send an email on nurse@stjameshospital.com to request more information about cervical cancer and the relative vaccination.

 Cervical Cancer Vaccination : Some basic information

• The vaccination offers protection against the most common cancer-causing Human Papillomavirus types.
• The vaccination does not preclude that women will develop the virus because it does not protect against ALL HPV types, only against the most common types.
• The vaccination is taken in 3 doses over a period of six months with a booster shot required after a number of years.
• As mentioned, it offers valuable protection even though it does not provide guarantees.
• Since HPV viruses are sexually transmitted and they can be contracted from the first intimate skin-to-skin contact, the vaccination it is recommended to girls from the age of 10 up, to provide protection right from the first sexual encounter.
• Not all HPV viruses are cancer-causing.
• There isn’t an upper age limit for women to take the vaccination.
• As long as a woman is sexually active she is still liable to get infected by viruses that might develop into Cervical Cancer.
• Women who have, unfortunately, already suffered from Cervical Cancer, should still take the vaccination as it will help protect against future infection.
• The Vaccination provides protection, however, it is not a substitute for Smear Tests – the Thin Prep Pap test is the most widely used method for cervical cancer screening and is approved by the FDA as being “significantly more effective” than the conventional Pap smear for detection of cervical abnormalities.