Is vaccination the license to avoid future medical examinations? This question seems unanswered for women with regards to cervical cancer. According to a study conducted by University of Oxford scientists, girls and parents are seemingly not enlightened on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and consider that future cervical screening is not required.
U.K. began the HPV vaccination program in 2008 that made use of the HPV vaccine which supposedly guards against 2 most risky HPV types namely 16 and 18. It seemingly has almost 70% shielding effect against cervical cancer. However, scientists believe that even vaccinated girls may have to undergo future screenings to affirm that they are suitably protected against this cancer. It needs to be checked as the disease seems to occur due to certain HPV types that are very risky and which are not included in the vaccination program.
The team of scientists conducted interviews for parents and eligible girls on their knowledge of the HPV vaccine. They were questioned regarding the vaccine acceptance and their potential to go in for future screenings. They found that the interviewees lacked clarity on their awareness of the program. Some parents apparently approved of the vaccine as they thought it would not necessitate further screenings. Even girls that supposedly reached the vaccination stage didn’t show the right approach.
Dr Alison Clements commented, “For informed decisions about HPV vaccination to be made, the provision of information about the ongoing need to attend cervical screening is imperative. Our findings have the potential to improve information and educational materials for parents, eligible girls and health professionals. To ensure the uptake of cervical screening is not adversely affected, future invitations for screening will need to stress the importance of attendance regardless of whether the individual has had the HPV vaccination or not.â€
According to analysts, this study is probably a reminder that the there are many more obligations that need to be fulfilled with regards to this cancer and its awareness. They put forth that the vaccine works efficiently against 2 strains of virus that leads to major cases of the aforesaid cancer. Since it does not protect against all the strains, a future examination becomes obligatory. Screenings conducted at the right time can apparently prohibit almost 34% of cervical cancers in women who are in their 30s and around 75% in 50 to 60 year old women. Girls should be made aware of the importance of screening in the battle against cervical cancer.
The study will be presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Academic Primary Care, hosted this year by the Academic Unit of Primary Health Care, University of Bristol.