Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women all over the world. After breast cancer, women are most vulnerable to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is cancer that occurs in the ovaries of women. In this common parlance, it is also called cancer of the cervix. According to doctors, women with weak immunity, multiple partners, lack of genital hygiene and having children at an early age also have a higher risk of cervical cancer. The risk of cancer also increases due to smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol. HPV vaccine has been introduced to prevent this cancer. Cervical cancer patients are increasing day by day in India. If this disease is detected early, the patient’s life can be saved.
At what age should one get the HPV vaccine
If you want to avoid cervical cancer, you should keep getting tests related to it done from time to time. If a girl below 9 years of age has problems like bleeding or foul smell, she should immediately consult a gynecologist. Even if a woman is facing any kind of problem during her periods, she should get tested immediately. This can also be due to genital infection. If not treated on time, it can also lead to cancer. Girls or women should get HPV vaccine between 9-45 years of age.
Women must get this test done
Drinking excessive alcohol and taking birth control pills also increases the risk of cervical cancer in women. Pap test should be done every three years. This helps in preventing cervical cancer. A common screening test for cervical cancer is the Pap smear. Every woman or girl above 21 years of age can get this test done. Women above 30 years of age are advised to get Pap Duo test done. This includes both Pap smears and HPV DNA tests. To avoid cervical cancer, Pap smear screening every three years is very important. Awareness is also being spread regarding this.
One thing has been said about the vaccine that any girl or woman between 9 to 45 can take it. But this perfect time is considered to be 11 to 12 years. Available as a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against 4 strains. Available as a nonavalent vaccine that protects against 9 strains. Girls below 15 years of age require 2 doses at a gap of 6 months. After 15 years, 3 doses are required.