Some types of the human papilloma virus (HPV) have been linked to cervical cancer. A vaccine is now available to protect against two types of HPV that cause around 70% of cervical cancers.
HPV is so common that it could be considered a normal part of being sexually active. The virus is passed on by sexual contact and is very common in women who have ever had sex. Four out of five women will have HPV at some time in their lives and most will never know it. The body's immune system usually clears the virus itself. This takes about one to two years.
However, some types of HPV (HPV 16 and 18) are difficult for the body to clear. We now know that long-term infection with these types can increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer.
A vaccine is now available in Australia that protects against two types of HPV that are most commonly linked to cervical cancer. These are called HPV types 16 and 18. The vaccine is given as a series of three injections over a six-month period.
The vaccine is approved for use by females aged 9 to 45 and males aged 9 to 15. There have been many clinical studies in females that have established the vaccine’s effectiveness. However, clinical studies in males are continuing.
The vaccine works best if given to females before they are exposed to HPV. That is, before the start of sexual activity. It is recommended that girls have the vaccine around the ages of 9 to 12.
Women who have had sex may benefit from the vaccine, however the benefit may be reduced. This is because it is highly likely that they have already been exposed to one or more HPV type(s) covered by the vaccine.
The vaccine has been added to the National Immunisation Program and is available free to women aged 12 to 26 via a schools-based vaccination program and through GPs and community-based immunisation providers.
From April 2007, the school-based program is being rolled out as follows:
The vaccine will be available free from July 2007 until June 2009 for females aged 18 to 26 (inclusive) from GPs and community-based immunisation providers. The three doses must be completed before the end of June 2009 and before the woman turns 27.
Women over the age of 26 who choose to have the vaccine will need to pay for it themselves. The vaccine costs about $460 for the three injections.
Yes. All women who have ever had sex need to continue having two-yearly Pap tests. This is their best chance to prevent cervical cancer. Even young girls who are vaccinated will need to have Pap tests when they’re older. This is because the vaccine does not protect against all types of cancer-causing HPV. It is effective against two specific types of HPV that cause up to 70% of cervical cancers. Therefore, Pap tests are still important.
The Pap test is a quick and simple test that checks for changes to the cells of the cervix. Abnormal changes are most likely to be minor changes that will disappear by themselves, or they can be easily treated before they become more serious. If changes are not detected and monitored, in some cases the abnormality may develop into cervical cancer.
It is important that all women aged between 18 and 69 who have ever had sex, have a Pap test every two years.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women; and it is estimated to result in over 470,000 new cases and cause 233,000 deaths per year, due to the lack of screening programs in developing countries.
Women who have questions about Pap tests or cervical cancer can ring the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or visit www.papscreen.org.au
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Updated June 2007.
