Vaccination for the papilloma virus is key to preventing cancer. In Italy, there are about 3,500 new diagnoses of cervical cancer each year, of which 1,500 are deaths.
The main cause of cervical cancer is papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Papilloma is a sexually transmitted infectious viral disease, caused by more than 100 strains of HPV. Oncogenic evidence has been confirmed for 12 types of HPV, especially for strains HPV16 and HPV18, responsible for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases. Oncogenic strains of HPV cause about 90% of anus cancers, 70% of vagina cancers, 50% of penile cancers and 26% of oropharynx cancers.
Although most infections are asymptomatic, in some cases they can cause precancerous lesions that can evolve into cancer of the neck, or cervix and uterus.
Papilloma is a preventable and diagnosable disease.
The pap test is the screening test of choice for early detection of cervical cancer. Excution of this cytologic examination is indicated every 3 years to all women from the age of 25 years, or in any case after the onset of sexual activity. The introduction of the pap test as a screening and diagnostic examination has significantly reduced mortality from cervical cancer.
In particular, as a model to follow, Australia is on the right path to be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035 through a major national campaign involving preventive HPV vaccination and regular screening.
In Italy, preventive vaccination is offered free of charge by the National Vaccination Plan for girls and boys aged 12 years.
