EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HPV AND ITS EFFECTS
ABOUT HPV
HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus.
HPV is a common infection among sexually active individuals and can infect both men and women. HPV infection can be transmitted through intimate contact with genital skin.
Each type of vaccine provides protection against different subtypes of HPV.
HPV vaccination involves receiving a vaccine designed to provide protection against various subtypes of HPV. The vaccine stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies to fight HPV.
HPV infection usually does not show any symptoms and often clears up on its own. However, persistent HPV infection can lead to more serious diseases.
The recommended age for the HPV vaccine in Malaysia is from 9 to 45 years. It is most effective when given before an individual becomes sexually active so that by the time the individual is sexually active, the body is equiped to prevent the infection.
Currently, more than 200 HPV-related subtypes have been identified. HPV subtypes are classified into low-risk and high-risk categories.
Low-risk HPV infections can cause warts on the skin while high-risk HPV infections can develop into cancer.
HPV can cause cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, oropharyngeal, and nasopharyngeal cancers.
There are three types of HPV vaccines available worldwide, namely bivalent, quadrivalent and nonavalent.
HPV VACCINATION
HPV vaccination can reduce the incidence of cervical cancer by up to 90%.
HPV vaccination can also protect us against cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, oropharynx and nasopharynx caused by HPV.
CERVICAL CANCER IN MALAYSIA
In Malaysia, cervical cancer is the 3rd most common cancer among women.
About 40% of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed late (stage 3 and 4). For those diagnosed at late stages, their five-year survival rates were as low as 23 - 32%.
95% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV infection.
HPV vaccination is effective in preventing cervical cancer and should be given to protect our girls.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
To learn more about HPV and the HPV vaccine, kindly click on the banner provided below to access our informational brochure.
