Cervical cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers that kill women. However, it is now completely preventable and the good news is that it does not require an operation!
A new vaccine has emerged as a ray of hope in reducing the risks associated with cervical cancer. According to recent research, giving HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine to women at risk of cervical cancer in the early stages can help prevent the deadly disease. This vaccine can save women from operation, who currently have to face painful surgery to treat cervical precancerous cells (CIN3).
According to a report in the Daily Mail, this research conducted by Dutch scientists found that the vaccine (named Vvax001) eliminated cancer cells in more than half of the patients. The most important thing is that after monitoring for about two years, these cells did not develop again in any patient.
Vaccine's effect instead of surgery
Till now, a surgical procedure called 'loop excision' is used to treat CIN3 (serious pre-cancerous cells), in which these cells are removed from the cervix. This procedure is uncomfortable and risky, involving the risk of infection, bleeding and even premature delivery in the future.
However, the initial results of this vaccine have given new hope to doctors and scientists. Dr. Rafika Yigit, a gynecologist at the University Medical Center Groningen (Netherlands), says that if these results prove to be correct in large-scale trials, then more than half the women will not need surgery and they can avoid its disadvantages.
Key findings of the study
The study included 18 patients who were given three doses of the vaccine at an interval of three weeks. After 19 weeks, cancerous cells in nine patients decreased in size or disappeared completely. Of the remaining nine patients, four had no precancerous cells found during surgery, indicating that the vaccine worked for them as well.
HPV and cervical cancer
HPV virus is believed to be the cause of 99.7% of cervical cancer cases. In many countries including India, HPV vaccine is being given to girls aged 12-13 years since 2008 and recently to boys as well. This vaccine has proved to be very effective in reducing cases of cervical cancer.
Disclaimer: Dear reader, thank you for reading this news. This news has been written only to make you aware. We have taken the help of general information in writing this. If you read anything related to your health anywhere, then definitely consult a doctor before adopting it.
