Cervical Cancer: What is the HPV virus for which the government has provided a free vaccine? Understand everything in simple terms..

HPV Vaccine For 14-Year-Old Girls: Prioritizing women's health in India, the central government has launched an HPV vaccine campaign for 14-year-old girls. This landmark initiative will provide a single dose of the Gardasil-4 vaccine, which protects against the main causes of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a malignant disease of the cells of the cervix, primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Simply put, human papillomavirus is a common viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes. There are over 200 types of it. This virus is responsible for 99% of cervical cancer cases. It is primarily spread through physical contact. If the body's immune system fails to eliminate it, the virus causes abnormal changes in cervical cells, leading to cancer.

According to a US study, early vaccination can reduce the risk of cancer by up to 90%. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, but the good news is that it is completely preventable through timely screening and vaccination. This government campaign will prove to be a milestone in providing adolescent girls with a protective shield against a major health problem in the future.

Who is most at risk for cervical cancer?

According to a report, women with weakened immunity are at the greatest risk of cervical cancer. If a woman's immune system is weakened, her risk of cervical cancer increases manifold as soon as she comes in contact with the HPV virus.

In addition, women who marry and give birth at an early age, take birth control pills for a long time, and smoke have also been found to have a significantly higher risk of this cancer than others.

Symptoms and the Role of Screening

In the early stages, cervical cancer symptoms are not obvious, which is why it is called the "silent killer." However, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and discomfort during intercourse can be signs of it. Doctors recommend that every woman after the age of 30 should have regular Pap smears and HPV tests to detect any changes early.

How does the vaccine provide protection?

HPV vaccines like Gardasil-4 prepare the body's immune system to fight the virus. The scientific reason for the central government's focus on girls under 14 is that the vaccine provides the most effective response at a younger age. If the vaccine is administered before infection, the body develops strong antibodies against cancer-causing strains, providing lifelong protection.

Awareness and Timely Action

Given the increasing incidence of cervical cancer, awareness is the best defense. The central government's vaccination campaign is the biggest investment in the safe future of the country's daughters. Numerous studies have shown that hygiene, a balanced lifestyle, and timely vaccination are the most effective ways to overcome this deadly disease.

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