Progress against Human Papillomavirus

The human papillomavirus or HPV and, within this group, the so-called HPV with oncogenic power (ability to induce cellular alterations that eventually determine the appearance of cancer ) are responsible for carcinoma of the cervix, its precursor lesions and of genital warts. It is transmitted through sexual intercourse and is a widespread virus in the male and female population.

The only prevention derives from three basic aspects. First, the use of condoms in sexual relationships. Second, vaccination against the types of HPV responsible for producing 80% of cervical cancer cases and 75% of genital warts. And, thirdly, periodic reviews by gynecologists in order to diagnose the process in the early stages of the disease.

The condom, vaccination and reviews, keys in prevention

There are fewer and fewer doubts about the benefit of vaccination. In our country, most of the Autonomous Communities have included free vaccination for girls at 14 years of age.

This does not mean that older girls and women up to 35 years old do not benefit from vaccination. The current recommendations advise to vaccinate all women up to 35 years of age with sexual intercourse.

Pending tasks

According to Dr. Zapico: "there are still two very important aspects to which we are not able to give a satisfactory answer. On the one hand, it is not possible to differentiate which women carriers of the virus will develop the disease. In most cases the woman's immune system manages to make the virus disappear (spontaneous clarification of the virus). "

On the other hand, it remains to discover effective treatments to help negativize the situation of carriers of the virus and thus reduce the incidence of women who develop the disease.