The best gift for a daughter from her mother
The conversations about cervical cancer and its impact are a worldwide issue. The fact that it is a silent killer and is affecting women from all age groups across the countries was alarming. Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer after breast cancer, and it is claiming the lives of our near and dear ones forming 16.5% of the total cancer cases. It is estimated that about 160 million women between the ages of 30 and 59 years are at the risk of getting infected with cervical cancer in India, with 96,922 new cases registered in 2018 only. These numbers show a poor state even though cervical cancer is the only cancer that can be prevented through vaccination. Cancer screening is also advisable to avoid the sudden news of cancer.
The vaccine is advised for teenage girls and thus, mothers can play an important role in educating their daughters about why they need to undergo cervical cancer vaccination:
The sexually-transmitted Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes Cervical Cancer. The majority of the women who are sexually engaged will get HPV during their lifetime. While there are HPV viruses that get healed on their own, those that do not can cause some types of cancer including cervical cancer. The cervical cancer vaccine targets the riskiest waves of HPV and thereby prevents it.
The vaccines are most efficient when they are given to pre-teen girls. According to several studies, younger people have a stronger immune response to the vaccine, and hence, it is prudent to give the vaccines before they are exposed to the virus.
Not only cervical cancer, but the HPV vaccine also protects women from vaginal, anal, and vulvar cancer, and can prevent common wart-causing viral types. In short, vaccinating women against types of HPV also decreases the chance of her partner getting infected with diseases associated with HPV. Not only this, but the HPV vaccines can also help control mouth and throat cancer which is linked to certain types of HPV.
HPV Vaccination is safe and efficient and now there are studies available from various parts of the world showing that the vaccines are being used for 14 years.
Given the benefits, it is recommended that young girls should certainly get the HPV vaccination done. Mothers are motivational figures or role models for their daughters and can encourage them to adopt safe and preventive health practices. Awareness needs to be generated among mothers with an aim of deeper involvement in educating their daughters about cervical cancer prevention. Visit your Gynaecologist to know more about this vaccination.