Whenever there is talk of cancer, the first question that comes in people’s mind is, “When will the cancer vaccine be available?” Most people believe that no confirmed vaccine has yet been made to prevent cancer. However, the truth is quite different. Today we have a vaccine that can prevent many dangerous cancers. But due to lack of awareness we are not taking it seriously. This vaccine is called HPV vaccine.
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a very common virus. According to medical research, most people are infected with HPV at some point in their lives. However, it is not dangerous in all cases. The problem occurs when certain types of HPV remain in the body for a long time and gradually cause cancer. HPV vaccine gives the body the strength to fight these dangerous viruses in advance.
What is HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine trains the body’s immune system to recognize cancer-causing HPV types and eliminate them before they can cause harm. This is not a new or experimental vaccine. It has been used for years in many countries around the world, and its effectiveness has been scientifically proven.
Is this vaccine only for girls?
This is the biggest and most dangerous illusion. HPV vaccine is not only important for girls but also for boys. It is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, but HPV can cause several serious cancers in men, such as penile cancer, anal cancer, and mouth and throat cancer. Therefore, if boys are not vaccinated, they themselves remain at risk and may become carriers of the infection.
Best age for HPV vaccine
According to doctors, the best age for HPV vaccine is considered to be 9 to 14 years. The body’s immune response is strongest at this age, and the child is usually not sexually active, which allows the vaccine to have the best effect. However, even if someone is up to 45 years of age, this vaccine can be administered with the advice of a doctor, and it provides some degree of protection.
Side Effects and Safety
There is no need to be afraid of the HPV vaccine. Side effects are usually very mild, such as mild pain at the injection site, mild fever, or fatigue. Cases of serious side effects are rare, and no life-threatening risk has been proven so far. If the HPV vaccine is administered at the right age, it can protect you and future generations from many types of cancer. Awareness is the biggest weapon in the fight against cancer, and the HPV vaccine is a strong shield against it.