Vaccines are usually used to prevent diseases caused by viruses or bacteria. There are various viral diseases which may lead to cancer, and we have vaccines that prevent them. Here are some of them
1. HPV vaccine: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer in women. It can also cause cancers of the anus, vagina, oropharynx, head and neck. Vaccines against HPV, like Gardasil and Cervarix, reduce the risk of cervical cancer and genital warts. Various variants of these vaccines can be used to prevent infections with various strains of the virus.
2. Hepatitis B vaccine: The Hepatitis B virus causes acute hepatitis B, which may lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. Hepatitis B vaccine prevents hepatitis B, reducing the risk of hepatocellular cancer.
HPV vaccines are recommended for girls and boys from 9 years of age. If the vaccination age is less than 14 years, two doses are given at six months intervals. If the person is 15 years or older, three vaccine doses are used. Since there are different types of HPV vaccine, it is essential to discuss the type of vaccine and its particular schedule with your doctor.
Mrs. Rejitha Jagesh M Sc