Can humans completely eliminate a type of cancer by getting the HPV vaccine?

Lang Yueting

actor

Hello everyone, I am Lang Yueting. In recent years, more and more people hope to prevent cervical cancer by taking HPV vaccine, and many of my friends are taking it. I would like to ask scientists, can we make this disease disappear from the world through vaccination?

Qiao Youlin

Institute of Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Member of the WHO National Cervical Cancer Elimination Expert Group

Hello, Lang Yueting, I am Qiao Youlin from the School of Population Medicine and Public Health of Peking Union Medical College. I am very happy to interact with you.

Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy in women worldwide. Its cause is clear, and it is caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV virus. HPV vaccination and regular screening are the most effective means to prevent cervical cancer.

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV virus causes cervical cancer | Wikimedia Commons, www.scientificanimations.com / CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

On November 17, 2020, the World Health Organization issued the "Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer", and 194 countries around the world, including China, jointly committed for the first time to eliminate a human cancer.

The interim goals for 2030 are:

1. Each Member State must ensure that 90% of girls aged 9-14 are vaccinated against HPV diseases

2. 70% of adult women receive high-precision screening at least once at age 35 and once at age 45.

3. 90% of confirmed patients receive standardized treatment

Cervical cancer will thus become the first human malignancy that can be completely prevented or even eliminated through HPV vaccination, screening, early diagnosis and early treatment. There is still a long way to go in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in China. Let us join hands and jointly create a beautiful society without cervical cancer.

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