Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, prevention ofcervical cancer: a review article

According to the official statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women after breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says all women have the chance to get the disease, and women over the age of 30 are more likely to get it. However, this cancer is a types of cancer that can be prevented through vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the role of vaccines in the prevention of cervical cancer. In this review study, articles published between 2016-2022 from PubMed, SID, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases were examined. Keywords Papilloma vaccine and cervical cancer in Persian sources and HPV vaccine and Cervical Cancer in English sources were used. The subject search was also performed using MeSH medical subject headings and through the Pubmed database. Vaccination against human papillomavirus is the most cost-effective public health measure against cervical cancer. In many developed and developing countries, serious programs are underway for HPV vaccination and screening for cervical cancer. In most countries, HPV vaccination has been added to their mandatory immunization programs, effectively reducing the incidence of cervical infections and cancers. In countries where vaccination is not complete, health education and screening programs such as PAP smears every 2 years for all women and every year for those with high cancer risk or abnormal smears, have been consolidated. HPV vaccination is highly effective and has been added to immunization programs in many countries. Nowadays, three types of vaccines have been presented, of which the 9-valent Gardasil vaccine is more effective than the other two types, but in terms of cost-effectiveness, the 4-valent Gardasil vaccine is more suggested. Due to the high prevalence of cervical cancer in Iran, it is suggested that the HPV vaccine be used, screening tests be optimized and performed on a regular basis, and ways to prevent cervical cancer be taught.