5th March 2024
5th March 2024
International HPV Awareness day
March 4th marks the International Day dedicated to raising awareness about the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can lead to cancer in both men and women. Fortunately, there exists a highly effective and safe vaccine to shield against many strains of this virus. Additionally, cancer screening methods, such as Pap smears, can detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix before cancer develops.
-Automatic translation
The human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is prevalent in society and spreads primarily through sexual contact, especially among sexually active young people.
With over 200 subtypes, approximately 40 of them can cause genital infections in both genders, while around 15 strains are linked to cancer. Cervical cancer is the most prevalent, but HPV-related cancers can also occur in the anus, vagina, and external genitalia, as well as in the oral cavity, throat, and bronchi through oral sex.
Infections often show no symptoms, and the body's immune system usually clears them within months. However, if left untreated, persistent infections can lead to precancerous changes and, eventually, cancer.
Other HPV strains can cause warts, e.g. on the genitals. More information about HPV.
HPV and cancer
HPV contributes to about 5% of all cancer cases globally, with cervical cancer being one of the most common types of cancer among women worldwide. In Iceland, approximately 15-20 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, with an average age of around 45 years. Early detection through regular Pap smears significantly improves survival rates.
The frequency of HPV in other types of cancers in Iceland is not as well known, but it has been increasing in many parts of the world in recent decades. There is no treatment for HPV infections, but the early stages of cervical cancer can be detected with a pap smear. See information about cervical cancer on the Icelandic Cancer Society's website (Icelandic).
It takes about 15-20 years for cancer to appear after infection, and a recent long-term study from Scotland of women born in 1988-1996 was recently published. The results show that no cases of cervical cancer were found among the women who had been vaccinated against HPV at the age of 12-13 years.
Vaccination against HPV
Iceland has offered two vaccines, Cervarix and Gardasil 9, targeting the HPV strains most responsible for cervical cancer. Gardasil 9 also protects against strains causing genital warts. Since 2023, Gardasil 9 is administered to all 12-year-olds regardless of gender.
While HPV vaccines do not cover all cancer-causing strains, they prevent the majority of cervical cancer cases.
Cancer screening
Despite vaccination efforts, regular cervical cancer screenings remain vital, as HPV is still prevalent. Pap smears help detect precancerous changes early, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes. Currently, effective screening for other HPV-related cancers is unavailable.
The Chief Epidemiologist