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Protective vaccination against HP viruses is also effective for boys
Sexually transmitted human papilloma viruses (HP viruses or HPV) are pathogens that can even lead to cancer in the worst case. So far only girls were vaccinated against the dangerous viruses. Experts have been calling for vaccination for boys for years now.
HP viruses can cause cancer
Human papillomaviruses (HP viruses or HPV) are pathogens that can cause inflammation and skin lesions such as warts. In most cases, they enter the skin or mucosa through sexual intercourse and multiply inside the cells. As scientists reported a few months ago in the journal "JAMA Oncology", the viruses can also be transmitted by oral sex. Normally, an infection goes unnoticed and heals on its own. However, some of the viruses also persist, causing cell changes that can develop into a malignant tumor over time. Girls have been vaccinated for a long time against the pathogens. For years, the HPV vaccine is also required for boys.
The most transmitted during sex human papillomaviruses can cause, among other cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is not only useful for girls. Even boys can benefit from it. (Image: adiruch na chiangmai / fotolia.com) The most common sexually transmitted viruses
According to information from the German Cancer Information Center (DKFZ), almost every human being becomes infected with human papillomaviruses (HPV) during their lifetime. According to the professional association of gynecologists, they are the most sexually transmitted viruses in the world. In addition to more harmless cell changes, the viruses can also cause the development of cancer and its precursors. Although HPV vaccinations can help young girls prevent cervical cancer, in some regions of Germany only one in two girls is vaccinated. In a report by the media portal "DerWesten", the pathologist Professor Gerd-Henrik Griesser explains how cancer develops: "Small fragments of the genetic material of certain types of HP virus are able to infiltrate the genetic material of the infected cell "The immune system can usually counteract effectively. "But if the body's own protection system fails, cervical cancer precursors or even cancer can develop in women from cells with chronic infection," said Griesser, who co-founded the initiative "Prevent cervical cancer" as Vice President of the German Society for Cytology (Cell Theory).
Only one third of the girls are vaccinated
As explained in the report, at the annual check-up, the gynecologist uses a special spatula or a small brush to remove cells from the cervix (cervix) and from the cervix (cervix). "Taking the cells is easy and painless for the patient," explains Professor Griesser. Subsequently, the cells are examined for cell changes. But despite the improved early detection, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in this country there are still about 4,660 new cases every year. About 1,500 patients die each year from cervical cancer. However, the vaccine recommended by the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) is administered to only about one third of girls in Germany. Nobel laureate Harald zur Hausen, who discovered the connection between viruses and cervical cancer and created the basis for the development of the HPV vaccine with his research, recently commented in an interview with the DKFZ: "A very sad result! The main reason for this is certainly that doctors, medical staff and health politicians, but also the children and their teachers and parents are not sufficiently informed about the very high efficacy and safety of the HPV vaccine. "
Boys can benefit from the vaccine
According to the "The West" portal, boys can also benefit from the vaccine. On the one hand, because men pass the viruses on to sex, like Dr. Christian Albring, President of the Professional Association of Gynecologists in Munich stressed. Secondly, studies have shown that the administration of a given vaccine in boys between the ages of nine and 15 is effective against genital warts and precursors of anal carcinoma. "As with girls, the vaccine should be given to boys between the ages of nine and twelve; that's what the pediatrician or family doctor does, "explains Albring. According to Professor Griesser, the possibilities of protection against HPV are constantly improving: "For several weeks, a vaccine (9-valent papillomavirus) has been approved in Germany that can be used to establish immunity against nine types of human papillomavirus. As a result, it is now possible to reach the viruses that cause 80 to 90 percent of cancers. Before vaccination was only possible against four virus types. "
Nationwide vaccination program for girls and boys
Ideally, girls between the ages of nine and 14 are vaccinated, but according to the report, they get paid until their 18th birthday. "Some health insurance companies pay the vaccine until their 25th birthday, because it makes sense," said the gynecologist. According to Albring, there has been a comprehensive vaccination program for girls and boys in schools in Australia for ten years: "In young women, the number of early precancerous stages after vaccination has fallen by more than two-thirds." However, one can not do so after vaccination to weigh in safety. "Some cervical cancers are not triggered by these types of viruses. Therefore, every woman should continue to go regularly for cancer screening, even if it is vaccinated, because in addition to the smear yes so vulva, vagina, uterine body, fallopian tubes and ovaries, breasts and underarms and 50 examined the rectum.
Easier therapy with early diagnosis
According to the gynecologist, if a malignant change is detected very early on, local surgery on the cervix is usually sufficient. "If it is found in the tissue examination that there are no malignant cells around the edges of the cut, and there is no evidence of involvement of the local lymph nodes with cancer cells, treatment is complete. The opportunity to get pregnant remains intact, "explains Albring. If the cervix cancer is already advanced, the treatment is always very stressful. "Unfortunately, in Germany and other countries, over 60 percent of cervical cancer patients have not had their swab carried out in the last five years before the illness, and 31 percent have had it irregular," says the gynecologist. (Ad)