Cervical cancer risk lower HPV vaccine recommended for girls?

Protection against cervical cancer: Health Minister promotes HPV vaccine

Scientists from the US reported a study last year that showed that the risk of cervical cancer is much higher than previously thought. However, the risk of developing this type of cancer can be significantly reduced by the HPV vaccine. Bavaria's Health Minister now promotes this protective measure.

Every year, 4,000 women contract cervix cancer

Cervical cancer is the third most common malignant genital tumor in women. According to experts, more than 4,000 women a year contract this type of cancer in Germany - about 1,500 die of it. Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are the main cause. The transmission of these viruses most often occurs through sexual contacts. A vaccine can provide protection.

Health experts campaign for the HPV vaccine for girls. This measure can provide protection against life-threatening cervical cancer. (Image: adiruch na chiangmai / fotolia.com)

Viruses can cause cancer

Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are pathogens that can cause inflammation and skin changes, but in the worst case can also cause cancer.

The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends the HPV vaccine for girls from 9 years for years. This should significantly reduce the number of cervical cancer cases.

Some experts believe that the HPV vaccine is also recommended for boys, as it can protect against genital warts and precursors of penis and anal cancer, among others.

However, the cost of this vaccine for boys is currently not normally covered by health insurance.

HPV vaccine for girls

In the case of girls, the costs for the complete vaccination are covered by the health insurance companies, provided they are still under 18. Unfortunately, in some regions, only every second girl is vaccinated.

In Bavaria, there are even fewer: According to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in 2015, only just under a quarter of 15-year-olds were vaccinated in the Free State, in the 17-year-olds it was a third.

Experts such as Bavaria's Health Minister Melanie Huml advertise therefore repeatedly for the HPV vaccine to protect against life-threatening cervical cancer.

Vaccination before the "first time"

"The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls aged 9 to 14 years and is well tolerated. Currently, several vaccines are available in Germany that protect against infection with the most common carcinogenic HPV types, "said Huml in a statement.

"My goal is that more girls than before decide for the vaccination - preferably even before the first great love. Because even at the "first time" girls can be infected with HPV, "said the Minister.

However, gynecologists advise even after the first sex for HPV vaccine. And even if an infection with HPV has already been through.

According to the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), currently used vaccines are considered safe and well tolerated.

The most common side effects are - similar to other vaccinations - skin reactions at the injection site such as redness, itching, mild pain and swelling.

Less common may be headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or hypersensitivity reactions such as difficulty breathing.

No complete protection

Girls between the ages of nine and 14 receive two vaccinations at intervals of five to 13 months for full vaccination protection, and vaccinations for those who are over 15 years old require three vaccinations.

The HPV vaccine can also be made up at a later age, with the statutory health insurance usually only cover the costs until the age of 17 years.

"The vaccine, however, does not provide complete protection against all cancer-causing papilloma viruses," Huml explained.

"Therefore, the prevention of cancer in the gynecologist is still necessary, especially since more serious diseases of the uterus, ovaries or breast can be detected and treated as soon as possible," said the politician, who is a doctor herself.

"The sooner a cancer is diagnosed and treated, the higher the chances of recovery." (Ad)