Key Findings on HPV Knowledge

The study, carried out ⁤between 2019 and 2020 and⁣ published the past ‍year, sheds light on critical‍ areas of ⁢concern regarding ​HPV​ awareness and vaccine uptake.

A specialist in ⁣Oncología ⁤Ginecológica at the⁣ Hospital⁢ Vithas Las Palmas, Dr. Virginia Benito,explained that approximately 400 participants were patients at the center⁣ where⁢ she works.

The ⁢lack of‌ awareness is concerning, as highlighted by Dr. benito: “the percentage ⁢is worrying. The prophylactic vaccines‍ against HPV have been marketed in spain for manny years, so this result shows​ the importance of betting on more informative campaigns to combat misinformation.”

Another striking finding is that only 5% of women‍ over 25 had accessed ⁤the HPV ⁤vaccine ‌at the time of the survey. “We⁣ know that vaccination of adult ⁤women ⁢has to be individualized, but many of them can benefit​ even if they are not included⁤ in the vaccination schedule,” the expert noted, ⁤emphasizing the potential benefits of vaccination beyond the standard⁢ age groups.

Understanding the HPV Family of Pathogens

HPV is not a single virus but a family of pathogens. according to the professional, HPV includes approximately 200 types, with 40 capable of infecting the genital area.

“There are​ 14 that present a high oncogenic risk, so they can ⁤produce serious injuries. Those of low risk, however, most often cause genital warts, benign⁤ formations that‍ do not compromise the vital prognosis of those affected,” she details.

HPV and Cancer: The Critical ⁤Link

HPV is linked to 99% of cervical cancer cases. it ‍is also implicated in other cancers‍ affecting the pharynx, vulva, penis,⁢ and anus. In response to these risks, the Dirección General de​ Salud Pública del Servicio canario de la Salud (SCS) extended the vaccine offer to males up to 18 years old last December, aligning with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines.

As 2023, the suggestion had already been broadened to include children aged 12. Prophylaxis has been offered to girls of the same age for decades.

Targeting High-Risk Groups for HPV Prevention

The HPV vaccine is also recommended for other risk groups within the adult population, such as men who have sex with men and individuals in prostitution.⁤ for these ⁢groups, a single dose is recommended below the age of 26. Those over 26 should receive⁢ two injections spaced at least six months apart.

Additionally, the vaccine is indicated for people with ⁤HIV, immunocompromised patients, and women with anal dysplasia or those who have undergone treatment for cervical lesions due to precancerous conditions or early-stage⁤ cancer.

The Importance of HPV⁢ Vaccination ⁢for All

“the vaccine protects against nine viral genotypes.It⁢ is essential that both men and women access it to prevent ⁣the progress of serious diseases,” emphasizes Dr.‌ Benito.She also notes that⁢ 80% of⁣ people ⁢who have sexual relations will come into contact with the virus at some point in their lives.

“Luckily, the infections are⁤ transient in 90%​ of cases. Only in about 10% of the subjects,the immune system is not able to eliminate the virus,” she adds,highlighting the ⁤body’s ‍natural defense mechanisms against HPV.

Addressing the Stigma and Promoting Regular Check-ups

HPV is the most ⁣frequent sexually transmitted infection globally. In most cases,the infection is asymptomatic for years,making regular check-ups essential.

“There is no treatment for the infection, ⁢but there is for the lesions it produces.The sooner we detect ‍its presence, ⁢the easier the approach will be,” insists the ​specialist from Vithas, who advocates for ending the stigma surrounding those⁣ affected.

Dr. Benito concludes,”In the ⁢case of women,I can say that they arrive at the consultations with a lot of anguish.It is necessary ​to ⁣speak openly about the matter to get it to ‌stop being a⁣ taboo subject.”