Every March 4th, International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day is celebrated, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the advances and challenges in the fight against this disease.
By Maira Palavecino
In the framework of the world day on HPV prevention, health experts inform the population about the prevalence of this virus, which affects the vast majority of people throughout their lives. The million-dollar question focuses on how we should take care of ourselves.
In this sense, despite its high rate of contagion, the Human Papillomavirus is an infection that can be prevented in time. Thus, the tools for its control, such as vaccination and early diagnosis, are essential to avoid complications, such as cervical cancer, also known as cervical cancer or cervical cancer.
In this same context, it is estimated that most people will contract the virus at some point in their lives, regardless of their gender or the number of sexual partners they have had.
Therefore, given this strong concern according to the data, it is worth highlighting that, in most cases, the virus does not cause symptoms. However, in certain people it does persist for years in the body, to the point that it can cause serious diseases, such as cervical cancer (CCU).
According to the latest report, HPV covers more than 100 different types of viruses, of which around 40 affect the genital and anal areas, which is why there are two main categories. On the one hand, low-risk types, which cause benign lesions such as genital warts, and on the other hand, high-risk oncogenic types, which include types such as HPV 16 and 18 and which are responsible for a high percentage of cervical cancer cases.
What is behind the myths?
The medical director of MSD Argentina, Virginia Verdaguer, stated that one of the most common beliefs is that HPV only affects women, but the reality is that this virus can also cause complications in men, such as anal cancer and penile cancer.
In this same context, the doctor stated: “The keys to preventing HPV infection are to promote awareness and guarantee access to clear and precise information about its transmission and prevention methods. As health professionals, it is our responsibility to emphasize that comprehensive sexual education is an essential pillar in this process.”
Another myth that circulates is that the virus can be transmitted by sharing personal objects or using public bathrooms. However, the doctor denied this because HPV is transmitted exclusively through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes, especially through sexual relations.
Therefore, it is important to clarify that the risk of contagion does not depend on the number of sexual partners, since a single sexual relationship can be enough for a person to become infected.
HPV and different types of cancer
HPV is closely linked to several types of cancer, particularly cervical cancer, although it can also cause anal, vaginal, oropharyngeal and penile cancers.
In Latin America, the HPV 16 genotype is the most prevalent in cervical lesions, and is associated with approximately 53% of cervical cancer cases. This data puts into context the importance of vaccination and early detection to reduce this disease.
In Argentina, cervical cancer (CCU) ranks third among the most common cancers in women, and is responsible for the fourth cause of cancer mortality in young women.
In this sense, around 4,600 cases of “CCU” are diagnosed each year, and more than 2,200 women die from this pathology. Primary prevention is therefore essential to reduce these numbers. Prevention requires comprehensive education and the vaccine, which is included in the National Vaccination Schedule for 2011. In addition, it is aimed at girls aged 11, and in 2017 it was expanded to include boys of the same age. For those who did not receive the vaccine at the time, the immunization schedule is available up to the age of 26.
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