“The HPV vaccination also makes sense after the age of 18”: A gynecologist explains how we can protect ourselves from cervical cancer

Nine out of ten people will become infected with HPV during their lifetime. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. It is almost 100 percent caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV). Not only women are affected, men can also get cancer. The most important measure to prevent certain HPVs is vaccination. Gynecologist Dr. Mattern in an interview.

Dr. Nicole Mattern:The currently known 200 HP viruses (human papilloma viruses) are dangerous because they can cause infections, some of which increase the risk of cancer. In particular, HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for around 70 percent of all casescervical cancerresponsible. In addition to cervical cancer, they can also cause other types of cancer such asanal cancer,PeniskrebsandThroat carcinomastrigger.

Dr. N.M:No. These diseases affect women and men. In Germany it is estimated that 80 to 90 percent of sexually active people will come into contact with HPV during their lifetime. Cervical cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide.

Dr. N. M.:Many types of HPV are transmitted through normal skin contact, for example the harmless skin warts. The genital HPV types, which are associated with the increased risk of cancer, are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse, including oral sex. The most effective protective measure is thisHPV vaccination, which particularly protects against the carcinogenic types. Condoms reduce the risk of infection, but cannot completely prevent transmission because HPV is also transmitted in areas of the mucous membrane or skin that are not protected by condoms. Therefore, vaccination is the best preventive approach. A healthy immune system andregular annual checkupsfrom 20 years of age supplement the protection.

Dr. N. M.:The most important preventative measure against certain HPV-related diseases is a vaccination. That's why the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute recommends everyoneVaccinate girls and boys between the ages of nine and 14 against HPVallow. A missed immunization should be made up for by the age of 17 (the day before your 18th birthday).

Dr. N. M.:Statutory health insurance companies cover the costs up to your 18th birthday. Many health insurance companies also pay for the vaccination of their insured persons after their 18th birthday, sometimes even without an age limit. In any case, it is worth making a specific inquiry to the health insurance company.

Dr. N.M:Yes! Vaccination can also be useful for people over the age of 18 and can prevent HPV-associated diseases. It is therefore extremely important to make adult unvaccinated patients aware that vaccination is possible even after sexual activity has begun.

Dr. N.M.:Unfortunately yes. Compared to other countries, Germany not only has a significantly lower vaccination rate, but alsoBarmer drug reporteven reports a significant decline in vaccination rates. Compared to 2015, the vaccination rate fell by 37 percent.

Dr. N.M.: These are the goals of the extensive awareness campaigns! Since 2006 we have had a well-tolerated and highly effective vaccine to protect against HPVSTIKOhas been recommended for all girls since 2007 and also for all boys aged nine to 14 since 2018. The vaccination wastested in extensive studies with millions of participants. It has proven to be extremely safe and effective. Countries with high vaccination rates, such as Australia, are already showing significant declines in HPV infections and related cancers.

Dr. N.M.:The lack of willingness to vaccinate is partly due to structural obstacles, such as the lack of a school vaccination program. Cultural reasons also play a role, as HPV, as a sexually transmitted disease, is associated with a “sex vaccine” by some parents. There is also false information circulating, such as that the HPV vaccination causes serious side effects. Sound medical advice can take away many fears. Because the topic is so important, projects and studies have currently been launched to provide comprehensive information on how to increase vaccination rates: for example, thisInitiative"DECIDED. Against cancer.”and theIntervention studyof the RKIin cooperation with the ÄGGF. TheProfessional association of gynecologistsalso supports the initiatives, not just through the implementationM1 girls' consultation hour. Ms. Dr. Hösemann, gynecologist and regional association chairwoman in Saxony, has demonstrated with her initiative that a structured offer of information and implementation of HPV vaccinations in schools can increase vaccination rates.

Dr. N.M.:Although an HPV vaccination offers some protection, it does not rule out the development of an HPV-related disease. Regular preventive examinations, the Pap test and the HPV test, are therefore crucial even after a vaccination in order to continue to detect and treat early changes.The preventive examination takes place annually from the age of 20. This is so important because during the gynecological check-up, not only important other organs are examined in addition to the cervix, such as the vulva, uterus and breasts. Preventive care often also represents the moment in a gynecology practice when trusting, informative discussions are held, for example on the subject of contraception, the desire to have children,or.

More and more prominent people are also campaigning for more information. And speak openly about their own history as those affected. Like podcaster and social media expert Ann-Kathrin Schmitz: