98 out of 100 Women Contract HPV Virus

More than 300,000 women die annually worldwide from cervical cancer caused by the HPV virus. Prof. Dr. Rehat Faikoğlu explained that HPV does not only cause cancer, but 98 out of every 100 women encounter this virus at some point in their lives. Faikoğlu also emphasized that since the virus causes lung and throat cancer in men, the vaccine should be administered to both genders. Cervical cancer, a type of cancer that can be prevented through vaccination, claims the lives of approximately 1,500 women annually in Turkey according to recent figures. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, the global death toll exceeds 300,000. In this context, the HPV vaccine, which was developed to combat cancer and has been administered for 15 years, has recently featured in headlines regarding whether it should be included free of charge in the state vaccination program.

"Not every type of virus causes cancer"

Prof. Dr. Rehat Faikoğlu, Faculty Member of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Beykent University Faculty of Medicine, stated that HPV virus has more than one hundred varieties and emphasized that not every type of virus causes cancer. Prof. Dr. Rehat Faikoğlu explained that the HPV virus is a DNA virus that causes changes in cell structure, saying, "This virus has more than one hundred varieties. They are named with specific numbers. For example, types 6 and 11 cause warts in the body, particularly in the genital area. Types 16 and 18 cause cervical cancer. The characteristic of this virus is not only to cause cervical cancer. It has been determined that lung, pharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers are also caused by this virus. Furthermore, studies have shown that in addition to HPV types 16 and 18, varieties numbered 30, 33, 35, and 52 also cause cervical cancer."

"It appears as cancer 15-20 years later"

Rehat Faikoğlu, noting that the virus can be detected through simple methods but it takes 15-20 years to develop into cancer, stated, "Cervical cancer is a detectable cancer. For example, breast cancer is a treatable cancer. Changes occur in cells due to the virus. However, changes that begin to develop in the cervix appear as cancer only 15-20 years later. For this reason, through cervical smears—what we call Pap smears—we diagnose cervical cancer at an early stage. Since this virus can be detected through a very simple method, for early diagnosis it is beneficial to undergo Pap smear testing, what we call cervical smears, every six months or at least once a year," he said.

Cause of lung and throat cancer in men

Providing information that the virus causes cancer not only in women but also in men, Faikoğlu stated, "It has been determined through research that this sexually transmitted virus causes lung and throat cancer in men as well as women. Therefore, the vaccine must be administered not only to women but also to men." "98 out of every 100 women encounter this virus, which is why vaccination is absolutely necessary"

"98 out of every 100 women will definitely encounter the HPV virus at some point in their lives.

This is why the vaccine is so important," Faikoğlu continued, and concluded by saying, "As in developed countries, this vaccine must definitely be included in the state vaccination program and should be administered to both genders after the age of 12. Moreover, even if the vaccine is administered, regular check-ups must not be neglected."   Source