Protect Your Daughter and You against Cervical Cancer
In the 15 minutes it will take you to read this article, four Asian women will die from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is second only to breast cancer as the biggest killer of Asian women. How about Indonesia? Cervical cancer is the first among all female cancer.1
According to a recent survey, almost 1,7352 Asian women described cervical cancer as genetic- actually caused by HPV infection.
Cervical cancer is not usually top of the mind when we think of female cancers, but the grim reality is that in Asia Pacific, a women dies of cervical cancer every 4 minutes.3 In fact, of the 270.000 Asian women who will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2007, more than half will die from it.3 Every women is at risk – no matter her age of family history.4,5
Introducing HPV – the Risk Facing Every Women
What most of us don’t know is that cervical cancer is caused by different types of a common and contagious virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is easily transmitted. Cervical cancer occurs through persistent infection with cancer causing type of HPV. Every woman is at risk of cancer causing HPV infection, which may cause cervical cancer throughout her life.6
HPV can be easily transmitted by skin to skin contact in the genital area, therefore risk starts right from sexual debut.7
Screening is important as it helps to detect the development of cervical cancer.8 However, screening can not prevent cervical cancer.9,10 The good news for women is that a vaccine specifically designed to help protect both young and older women against cervical cancer is becoming a reality and is wonderful news for Indonesian women and women everywhere.
According to Prof/Doctor (insert name) of (insert credentials), “After years of research, the arrival of HPV vaccines to prevent cervical cancer means that future generations of women can be saved from the misery caused by cervical cancer. To increase the effectiveness, however, the HPV vaccine should be administered before the first potential exposure to the virus, prior sexual debut. The best way to way to protect your daughter is by telling her the facts and to consider vaccination now-when she is able to benefit most from the vaccine.”
Talking about the potential role of vaccination, Yuanita Rohali, (insert age) from (insert location) said, “I would do anything to protect my family. I have ……teenage daughters and as far as I am concerned, I know that cervical cancer is preventable – it would be irresponsible not to vaccinate them. I have so many things to worry about in my family’s life-cervical cancer just doesn’t need to be one of them. If cervical cancer is one aspect of our lives I can control – then I will definitely get vaccinated for my daughter”.
Speaking about her mother’s proactive approach toward helping cervical cancer prevention, Alika, 13 years old said, “My mother took the time to talk to me about cervical cancer. I was a little frightened but I know if I have any questions, I can always go to her for advice. I have agreed to get vaccinated so I am protected.”
When was the last time you spoke to your doctors about screening or cervical cancer? In the future, vaccination alongside screening will help reduce the risk of cervical cancer further than screening alone and will also significantly reduce the number of abnormal screening results requiring follow up.11,12,13.
Ask your doctor about vaccine that help provide both young and older women with strong and sustained immune response.
