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A vaccine against cervical cancer could prevent other types of gynaecological cancers, said a new study released last month.
According to Associate Professor Ilancheran A, head, gynaecologic oncology, The Cancer Institute@National University Hospital, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine study by Merck & Co, "is a very good one, which has shown conclusively that the vaccine is effective in preventing HPV infection if it is given before any exposure to HPV".
He also said: "The study only concentrated on the more common virus subtypes 6,11,16 and 18. By giving the vaccine, there is an excellent chance of preventing cervical cancer caused by these subtypes, which account for 70 per cent of all cervical cancers."
An infection of the HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer. It can also cause genital warts and is also linked to penile and anal cancer. The virus is the most common sexually-transmitted disease.
In Singapore, cervical cancer is the second most common gynaecological cancer. The cancer affects about 10.6 per 100,000 women.
While the availability of vaccines against HPV is likely to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the years to come, this opportunity also throws up several questions, said Dr Wong Seng Weng, consultant medical oncologist at the Raffles Cancer Centre, Raffles Hospital.
"First of all, we need to decide who should be vaccinated. Young people have the highest immune responses to the vaccines. A working group in the USA has recommended routine vaccination for all 11 and 12-year-olds ... However, we do not know how long the immunity will last.
"Will a girl vaccinated at 11 still be immune when she turns sexually active? This recommendation has also drawn criticism from social activists arguing that vaccinating adolescents may send the message that society endorses sexual promiscuity.
"There are also arguments over whether women infected with HPV should be vaccinated. The vaccination will not eradicate the disease (but) there is a theoretical possibility of preventing the virus from spreading from cell to cell. Vaccination of boys is something to think about as it can potentially reduce the transmission of the virus during intercourse and possibly protect against anal cancer.
"Furthermore, making the vaccine available in poor developing countries will be a challenge. These countries are the least likely to have a cervical cancer screening programme with regular pap smears. But they are also most likely to benefit from a vaccination programme. Sadly, these countries are least likely to be able to afford it," said Dr Wong.
The vaccine is not available in Singapore yet. It is undergoing assessment by the Health Sciences Authority before approval can be given and used clinically, said Assoc Prof Ilancheran. TODAY/rose
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