THEThe number of cases and deaths from cervical cancer is constantly decreasing. In the United States, mortality among young women has decreased by 62% since the 1990s, thanks to the introduction of HPV vaccination. This is demonstrated by a study recently published in the prestigious scientific journal JAMAwhich once again confirms the importance of prevention.
HPV and cancer: a clear link
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 99% of cervical cancers. But not only that. Its presence also contributes to increasing the risk of tumors of the oropharynx, anus and penis. Although the infection from human papillomavirus does not always lead to the development of oncological disease, the vaccine in recent years has been shown to drastically reduce this risk.
The effectiveness of vaccination against cancer
Since 2006, the year of its introduction, vaccination has reduced incidence and mortality. Already a study on The Lancet had shown one 87% reduction in cervical cancers in young vaccinated women. The new analysis on JAMA highlights a even more significant decline in mortality: from 2013 to 2021 the annual reduction was 15.2%.
When to get vaccinated against HPV Papillomavirus?
Protection is maximum if the vaccine is administered before contact with the virus, which is mainly transmitted sexually. In Italy, the vaccine is free and offered in the 12th year of age for both girls and boys, with an extension up to 18 years of age and beyond depending on the region.
To learn more about the link between HPV and cancer and explore the role of vaccination, read here the in-depth analysis in the Veronesi Foundation Magazine
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