Question

How do the Pap Smear and HPV vaccine reduce the risk of cervical cancer? Compare and contrast the relative merits of each prevention strategy. Why is the HPV vaccine only useful if administered to pre-sexually active youth?

Answer 1

Pap test or pap smear finds the abnormal cells that may turn into the cervical cancer cells, helps in early determination, were they can be removed to prevent cervical cancer. Early determination with pap smear test provides higher chances for being cured.

HPV ( human papilloma virus ) are about 100 varients were the hpv 16 and 18 are the two types which cause around 70% of cervical cancers and precancerous cervical lesions. These are transmitted through sexual contact affecting the female and male reproductive tract. HPV vaccine protects against the hpv type 16 and 18 which are most known for cause of cervical cancer. It generally take 15 to 20 years in womens with normal immunity to develop cervical cancer were it takes only 5 to 10 years to develop cancer in weakened immune system, those who are untreated for HIV infection. HPV vaccination protects againts the hpv virus that cause cervical cancer.

Primary prevention ( HPV vaccination)---》Secondary prevention (screening and treatment for precancerous lesions) ---》 tertiary prevention ( diagnosis and treatment of invasive cervical cancer) and last is palliative care.

HPV vaccine is only useful if administrated to pre-sexually active youth.?

Vaccination is preventive measures which is helpfull in preventing the virus, it is not a treatment or cure for the cancer. So when the youth are sexually inactive it is recommended (9 and 14 years of age). The effects are more evident for prevent of HPV virus before they are exposed(sexual transmission).

Merits for pap test - acts as a screening tool, reliable for detection of abnormal cells, early determination with pap test increase cure rate.

Merits for HPV vaccine: vaccination is always best, prevent the HPV virus acquired through sexual contact, Avoid the proliferation of infection furthur, Helps in preventing cervical cancer cause by HPV virus type 16 and 18.

Thankyou..