Why women should think seriously about the opting for the human papillomavirus vaccine

According to a World Health Organisation report compiled in 2007, some 6,200 Thai women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and 2,620 die from the disease. With two human papillomavirus vaccines (HPV) now available on the market and the drastic change in teenage sexual behaviour in recent years, the Thai Gynaecologic Cancer Society and the Paediatric Infections Disease Society are working hard to encourage Thai women to be much more concerned about protecting themselves.

"Some girls start having sex at the age of 12, which puts them at high risk for cervical cancer. Having sex before 16 increases the risk of developing cancer by six times," says paediatrician Rudiwilai Samakoses.

She adds that 75 per cent of the disease in adults can be traced back to sex during their teens. That's way the campaign is focusing on primary prevention measures and trying to convince girls to put off sex until they are older as well as to get the vaccination before they are exposed to the human papillomavirus infection, which causes the cancer to develop later in life.

"Kids have a much higher immunity than adults so if they are given the HPV vaccine when they are young, they'll get the full advantage," she says.

The most important cause in the development of cervical cancer is infection with a high-risk strain of human papillomavirus. More than 100 types of HPV exist and the most dangerous are types 16 and 18, which are found in 70 per cent of cancer cases.

The vaccines both protect against the two high-risk types.

Dr Mongkol Benjapiban says one in four sexually active women are infected with HPV but that less than 20 per cent of those will have HPV types 16 and 18.

"In most cases, our body can cure an HPV infection. Besides it takes 10 to 15 years before the cancer develops. So with protection and regular screening, women should not at too much risk," he says. Adding that women should get the vaccination within six months of their last Pap smear.

"Thai women tend to be shy of having the test so we need to do more to encourage them to think as the Pap smear as a normal activity," he says.

XTRA

>> The HPV vaccine is available at most hospitals in Bangkok and the provinces.

>> Some gynaecological departments offer special promotions on pap smears as well as occasional packages on the vaccine course. Check your local hospital for details.