HPV Vaccine to Be Offered Free of Charge

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu's announcement that HPV vaccination will be free has received support from doctors. Gynaecological cancers—uterine, cervical and ovarian cancer—are among the most serious threats to women's health. Often progressing without symptoms, these diseases can be life-threatening. However, regular screening, HPV vaccination and healthy lifestyle habits can prevent these diseases.

Gynaecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Mehmet Bekir Şen said, "Making HPV vaccination free and accessible will be an important step in preventing cervical cancer."
 
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced that HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination will be free as of end of 2025, particularly for 13-year-old children. Minister Memişoğlu stated, "There is speculation about the HPV virus, and we have conducted research on it. It actually has 200 types with different variations. There are two strains in particular that carry the risk of causing cancer, especially uterine cancer risk.

We will launch a vaccination programme for these in late 2025, we will be able to vaccinate all our 13-year-old children with the HPV vaccine, and we will be able to vaccinate those aged 15 and above who request it. People speculate about this. We are currently screening for HPV, and we are also screening for SMA. As of end of 2025, we will provide HPV vaccination free of charge to our people, especially to our 13-year-old children." he said.
Gynaecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Mehmet Bekir Şen, who made a statement on the matter, drew attention to the fact that making HPV vaccination free and accessible would be an important factor in preventing cervical cancer. 
 
One of the greatest risks threatening women's health is gynaecological cancers. Uterine (endometrial), cervical (cervix) and ovarian cancers are serious diseases affecting thousands of women each year. However, with early diagnosis, these cancers can be treated to a large extent.
Gynaecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Mehmet Bekir Şen emphasises the importance of women becoming aware of this issue: "The biggest danger in gynaecological diseases is silent diseases that show no symptoms. Many women neglect gynaecological check-ups when they have no complaints. Yet many gynaecological cancers can be completely cured when detected in early stages. This is why routine screening saves lives."
 
FREQUENCY OF GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCERS IN TURKEY AND WORLDWIDE
 In Turkey, uterine cancer is the most commonly seen type of gynaecological cancer. According to 2020 GLOBOCAN data, among the 10 most common cancers in women in Turkey, uterine cancer ranks 6th and cervical cancer ranks 10th.

Op. Dr. Mehmet Bekir Şen, noting that cervical cancer, one of the most common gynaecological cancers worldwide, is seen at lower rates in Turkey thanks to screening programmes, says the following on the matter: "Cervical cancer is seen at lower rates in Turkey compared to many countries thanks to HPV screening programmes. However, this does not mean that screening can be neglected. If women carrying HPV are not monitored regularly, the disease can progress and become fatal."
In contrast, ovarian cancer continues to be one of the most risky gynaecological cancers due to late diagnosis.
 
RISK FACTORS IN GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCERS
 Each gynaecological cancer has different risk factors. Op. Dr. Mehmet Bekir Şen explains the causes of the most common gynaecological cancers as follows:

• Endometrial (uterine) cancer: "This type of cancer is usually seen in postmenopausal women. Obesity, diabetes, high oestrogen levels, early menarche or late menopause are factors that increase risk."

• Cervical cancer: "HPV infection is the greatest risk factor. In addition, smoking, early sexual activity and weakened immune system are among the factors that increase risk."

• Ovarian cancer: "One of the greatest risk factors for this cancer is genetic predisposition. Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations have a 40-60 percent increased risk of ovarian cancer. Additionally, advanced age, long-term fertility-enhancing treatments and a family history of cancer also increase the risk."
 
WAYS TO PROTECT AGAINST GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCERS
 The most effective way to prevent gynaecological cancers is through regular screening and healthy lifestyle habits. Op. Dr. Mehmet Bekir Şen lists the measures women can take on this matter as follows:

• Routine Gynaecological Examinations: "After starting sexual activity, every woman should have a gynaecological examination at least once a year. From age 21, PAP smear screening should be conducted, and from age 30 onwards, regular screening should be done with HPV tests."

• HPV Vaccination: "HPV infection is responsible for 99 percent of cervical cancers. While HPV vaccination is recommended between ages 9-26, its protective effect continues until age 45. It has even been shown to have positive effects in those over 45."

• Healthy Diet and Exercise: "Regular exercise, maintaining ideal weight and healthy eating are of great importance, especially in preventing all oestrogen-dependent tumours."

• Reducing Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption: "Smoking is a major risk factor, especially for cervical cancer. Quitting smoking will seriously reduce the risk of developing cancer."
 
IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING PROGRAMMES AND APPLICATIONS IN TURKEY
In Turkey, HPV + smear tests are performed free of charge every 5 years for women aged 30-65. However, participation rates are still not at the desired levels. Op. Dr. Mehmet Bekir Şen emphasises that women need to be made aware of this: "Many women are unaware of screening programmes or do not get tested because they do not think it is necessary. However, when cervical cancer is detected in early stages, it can be successfully treated in over 90 percent of cases. Through awareness campaigns, mobile health services and the expansion of HPV vaccination, we can reach more women."
 
"THERE WERE NO SYMPTOMS, BUT ROUTINE CHECK-UP SAVED HER LIFE"
The greatest danger of gynaecological cancers is that some types can progress for a long time without showing any symptoms. Op. Dr. Mehmet Bekir Şen describes a patient's experience in these words: "A 34-year-old patient who appeared to be in perfect health came for an examination with only a complaint of irregular periods. There were no abnormal findings on physical examination. However, guided by my professional instinct, I said, 'Let's do a smear test anyway.' When the results came back, we all experienced a great shock: cervical cancer had been diagnosed.

She was lucky. We caught it at a very early stage and quickly started the treatment process. If this screening had not been done, it would very likely have been diagnosed at a much more advanced stage years later. Today she is healthy and has continued her life where she left off. This incident demonstrated once again how important early diagnosis is."
 
EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS WOMEN'S GREATEST ASSET!
Women not neglecting regular gynaecological check-ups, getting HPV vaccination and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the most important steps in preventing gynaecological cancers. Op. Dr. Mehmet Bekir Şen makes this call to all women: "Even if you have no complaints, have a gynaecological examination once a year. Remember, early diagnosis saves lives!"