Recent studies have shown that vaccines against the human papillomavirus (HPV) effectively lower cervical cancer rates among young women, and that annual screenings remain vital in reducing risks, according to an expert at the Cleveland Clinic.
Chronic infections with certain types of HPV are the leading cause of cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Approximately 570,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, resulting in 311,000 deaths annually. However, it remains a preventable and treatable disease if detected early, according to Dr. Souda Amarnath, a radiation oncologist at Cleveland Clinic.
#### High-Risk Types
Dr. Amarnath stated that the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer are called "high-risk types." She confirmed that HPV vaccines protect against the most common high-risk types, as well as less severe types that cause other health issues.
In a comment on the vaccine's effectiveness, the expert referenced a recent observational study published in "The Lancet" at the end of 2021, which tracked the impacts of the vaccination program for girls in England starting in 2008. Overall, researchers reported significant declines in both cervical cancer and pre-cancerous cells among girls who received the vaccine at ages 12 to 13.
#### Importance of Regular Screenings
Dr. Amarnath, who did not participate in the study, regarded the results as "extremely positive," but emphasized the need for further research. She highlighted that regular cervical cancer screenings are important, even in countries with vaccination programs. She noted variability in the benefits of the vaccine and the necessity for regular screenings for those who refuse to be vaccinated, with vaccination uptake rates among adolescents in the U.S. ranging from 50 to 70%.
Dr. Amarnath clarified that the vaccines are not only for women and have proven effective in men in large randomized trials. She mentioned that men, in addition to transmitting the virus, are at risk of other health issues caused by HPV strains, such as head and neck cancers.
#### Pap Smears
Dr. Amarnath stated, "The Pap smear is the most common test, which involves sampling cells from the cervix and analyzing them for high-risk types of HPV and pre-cancerous cell changes."
Women aged 21 to 29 are recommended to have a Pap smear every three years, while women between 30 and 65 have options for screening: either a Pap smear every three years, a high-risk HPV test every five years, or both tests every five years.
Regarding treatments, Dr. Amarnath noted that in early stages, cancerous tissues can be surgically removed or treated with radiation. The Cleveland Clinic's healthcare system indicates that the five-year survival rate exceeds 90% when the disease is detected at an early stage. Later-stage treatment options may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
