PAP SMEAR AND HPV VACCINATION

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women after breast cancer, and Pap smear is currently the single most reliable and prevalent screening tool. It is a simple and fast procedure, which could be done effortlessly in the clinic. If preferred, it can be performed by a female nurse.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancers and also certain genital warts infections. A vaccine called Gardasil 9 has been developed to protect against nine HPV types, which cause around 90% of cervical cancers in women (and the majority of other HPV-related cancers in women), 95% of all HPV-related cancers in men, and 90% of genital warts. HPV-related cancers include almost all cancers of the cervix, and a proportion of cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and throat.

For people aged 14 and under, the HPV vaccine is administered in two separate sessions via injections to the upper arm. The vaccine works best if the second injection is given 6–12 months after the first. As for people aged 15 or above, or those who did not receive the injections at least six months apart, three injections are required. Ideally, the 3 doses should be given at 0, 2 and 6 months (the 2nd dose should be given two months after the 1st and the 3rd dose four months after the 2nd).