Recently, the news that a Hubei woman was diagnosed with cervical cancer three years after receiving the HPV vaccine has aroused widespread concern in society. Many netizens expressed doubts about this and why they still develop cervical cancer after being vaccinated against cervical cancer. In this regard, medical experts explained that although HPV vaccination can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, it cannot completely prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer. The following is a detailed interpretation of this incident.
How does the HPV vaccine work?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main pathogen of cervical cancer, and some high-risk HPV types are directly related to the occurrence of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine was developed to prevent infection with high-risk HPV types and thereby reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccines currently on the market mainly target several high-risk HPV types, and vaccination can effectively prevent infection by these viruses.
The relationship between vaccination and cervical cancer
虽然HPV疫苗可以预防多种高危型HPV的感染，显著降低宫颈癌的风险，但需要注意的是，疫苗并不能覆盖所有导致宫颈癌的HPV类型。此外，疫苗的保护效果需要一定时间才能体现，且接种疫苗的个体之间可能存在免疫反应的差异。因此，即便接种了HPV疫苗，也不能完全排除患宫颈癌的可能。
doctor’s explanation
Regarding the case of a Hubei woman who developed cervical cancer three years after receiving the HPV vaccine, doctors explained that this incident does not mean that the HPV vaccine is ineffective. Sickness after vaccination may be related to a variety of factors, including but not limited to differences in individual immune systems, other high-risk HPV infections other than those covered by the vaccine, and existing HPV infections before vaccination.
Comprehensive measures to prevent cervical cancer
Doctors emphasize that preventing cervical cancer cannot rely solely on vaccination with the HPV vaccine. In order to prevent cervical cancer more effectively, it is recommended to take the following measures:
- Regular screening : Regular cervical cancer screening, such as liquid-based cytology and HPV DNA testing, can detect cervical precancerous lesions or early cervical cancer early.
- Healthy lifestyle : Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking and reducing multiple sexual partners, can reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
- Get the HPV vaccine : Although the vaccine cannot completely prevent cervical cancer, it is still an effective way to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
