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When to get HPV vaccines? Dr. Vo Dang Hung, Ph.D., Director of TMMC’s Oncology Center, a member of TMMC Healthcare Center

In Vietnam, there are roughly 6000 women diagnosed with Cervical cancer every year, half of which

unfortunately has died of the disease. This is the cancerous condition of utmost popularity among women aged 15 – 44 throughout the nation.

It is estimated that 70% of all Cervical Cancer cases are related to HPV infection. In other words,

HPV infections transmitted through sexual contact have led to abnormal changes in the cells, thus

have resulted in 70% of Cervical Cancer cases. HPVs penetrate the cervical cells leading to generic

modification. Such mutation will grow and become malignant. This progress may take years,

ranging from 10 to 15 years. Such progress is called subclinical infection meaning the patient has

developed precancerous lesions yet the cervix appears to be completely normal. Once the tumors become malignant, the cancer cells will rapidly spread to other tissues in no time.

Cervical Cancer risk According to Dr. Vo Dang Hung, Ph.D. – Director of TMMC Cancer Center, a member of TMMC

Healthcare – the risk factors of cervical cancer include family history, atopic, age, sexual

intercourses, vaginal infection etc. Conclusively, you are still exposed to cervical cancer risk even if

you have never been sexually active. However, the risk of developing cervical cancer is really small

considering you are not married or have never experienced any sexual contact (regardless of your

family medical history of cervical cancer).

Cervical Cancer Screening by Pap smear. Theoretically, HPV vaccines prevent 70% cases of cervical cancer. However, you may run the risk of

cervical cancer if the vaccines are not effective, also, 30% cases of cervical cancer are HPVs-

unrelated. Thus, cervical cancer screening is of high importance for women. Screening means the

detection of cancer within the community.

Cervical Cancer screening is simple and wouldn’t induce pain or trauma. It includes regular

gynecological examinations and Pap smear. Pap smear can detect abnormal cells yet haven’t

developed into cancer, better known as “precancerous lesions”. Sexually active women should get

regular gynecological examinations and annual Pap tests to detect such abnormal cells. Prevention is cure.

Vaccination before the first sexual intercourse In Vietnam, women aged 10-25 who have or haven’t had sex can get HPV vaccines. Getting HPV vaccination prior to the first sexual intercourse can prevent cervical cancer up to 90%.

Cancer Screening Sexually active women are advised to get regular gynecological examinations and annual Pap tests

(Pap smear) to detect any cancerous condition and get prompt treatment during the early stages of cervical cancer.

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HPV vaccination is the most effective method of cervical cancer prevention. It works best for

women aged 9-26 who haven’t had any sexual contact. Married women or ones who have already

had sex can also get HPV vaccines since cancer prevention is effective in these cases. The vaccines are only considered pointless when being used on cervical cancer patients.

However, before getting the vaccine you should get gynecological examination and Pap test to

detect any potential risk since there are many other causes of cervical cancer beside HPVs. Also, this

is also a chance for you to get your health checked for any abnormal symptoms. Some countries

have tested HPV vaccines on women aged over 26, however, the results have not yet been proven.

With or without HPV vaccination, it is highly advisable that you should get regular gynecological

examinations and annual Pap tests.