Fifteen years ago, when she was 26 and preparing to marry, Mai, from Ba Diem commune, Ho Chi Minh City, knew little about HPV. A conversation with her mother-in-law prompted her to research and complete her vaccination schedule as advised by healthcare professionals.

Mai's mother-in-law, a former nurse, had spent time caring for cervical cancer patients. She witnessed the prolonged treatment process and its profound health, emotional, and financial impacts. Consequently, she often reminded the women in her family to learn about HPV prevention and regular screening.

Mai brought her daughter, who just turned 9, to VNVC Xuan Thoi Thuong for the Gardasil 9 vaccine to prevent diseases caused by the HPV virus. Photo: Dieu Thuan

Three months before the wedding, the two met to prepare for Mai's new life. After discussing wedding preparations, her mother-in-law asked if Mai knew about HPV and cervical cancer. Mai was initially surprised, even thinking her mother-in-law was probing. However, upon realizing it was a reminder born of genuine concern, she agreed to seek medical advice.

This year, Mai's mother-in-law again urged her to research preventive measures for her 13-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter. Having read medical information, she knew HPV could affect both males and females, and that the vaccine could be administered from the age of 9. After receiving medical consultation, Mai had both her children vaccinated with the 9-type HPV vaccine. Their grandmother proactively covered the costs from her pension.

Doctor Nguyen Hoang Anh, from VNVC Xuan Thoi Thuong Vaccination Center in Ho Chi Minh City, noted that many families share similar stories. Previous generations of grandparents and parents often had limited access to information and preventive measures, leading them to proactively remind their children and grandchildren today.

"The concern from family members helps foster more open discussions about HPV within families," the doctor stated. "However, each individual should have their age, medical history, and health status assessed by a healthcare professional before selecting an appropriate preventive measure."

HPV is a group of approximately 200 types of viruses, primarily transmitted through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. Most infections are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously. However, persistent infection with high-risk strains such as 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, among others, can lead to precancerous lesions and cancers of the cervix, oropharynx, vulva, vagina, or anus.

Two low-risk HPV strains, 6 and 11, can cause genital warts. In contrast, lesions caused by high-risk strains are often difficult to detect in their early stages. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly all cases of cervical cancer are linked to persistent high-risk HPV infection.

The HPV virus causes nearly 100% of cervical cancers and 60-70% of oropharyngeal cancers. HPV analysis photo using the Pap smear method. Photo: Vecteezy

HPV prevention requires a combination of measures: avoiding smoking, maintaining regular physical activity and a balanced diet; practicing safe and healthy sexual relations; receiving vaccination at a medical facility; and for women aged 21-65, undergoing regular cervical cancer screenings as professionally recommended. Some studies suggest that circumcision may help reduce risk in males.

Vaccines help prevent infection with HPV types included in their composition and types that have been cleared from the body; they do not treat existing infections or diseases. Individuals who have been sexually active or have previously been infected with one strain may still be assessed by a doctor for the preventive benefits against other strains. Vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening.

Currently, two HPV vaccines are available. The newer generation vaccine, Gardasil 9, helps prevent 9 high-risk HPV types that cause cancers and genital warts. It is administered to both males and females aged 9-45, offering over 90% protection. Individuals within the recommended age range should get vaccinated to avoid HPV infection and prevent disease.

By Dieu Thuan