HPV vaccine: A breakthrough in prevention of cervical cancer

BackgroundCervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers in women. As it affects young women it has grave personal, social and economic consequences. It is unfortunate that despite cancer cervix being a preventable disease, we have failed to reduce the number of deaths related to it. Recent developments in the understanding of the disease process and its link to the oncogenic strains of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has opened new avenues in the way of prevention of cervical cancer.MethodThe information was collected through literature search using the key words HPV, cancer cervix and prevention.ResultIt is now well established that almost all cervival cancers are caused by oncogenic Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV), with types 16 and 18 being responsible for almost 70%. This fact has led to the development of a vaccine with great potential of preventing the disease by preventing the causative infection in the target population.ConclusionA prophylactic vaccine to prevent HPV-related precancerous lesions and cancers would save lives, reduce the need for costly medical procedures and provide both women and communities throughout the world, with substantial benefits. The reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer and mortality is expected to be greatest in low and middle-income countries where there is no or only limited screening for cervical cancer.