"Why bother with HPV vaccination when you're already married?" Hong's husband protested when she mentioned it. He believed that since they had been married for years and were monogamous, her risk of HPV was low. "It's a waste of money with uncertain benefits," he said.

Hong's mother-in-law also disagreed. While acknowledging HPV as a leading cause of cervical cancer, she believed that faithful partners couldn't contract it, making cervical cancer "someone else's disease." She reasoned that she was older and healthy without ever having the vaccine. "No one needed HPV vaccination in the past, and they lived normal lives," she said, advising Hong to focus on her family instead of worrying about unlikely scenarios.

Conversely, Hong's younger sister, Thy Van, 35, supported her. During routine gynecological checkups, Thy Van learned from doctors that while most HPV infections are asymptomatic and clear up on their own, persistent infections can lead to various diseases and cancers, particularly cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers in women. She was also informed that even married women can contract the virus despite being monogamous.

Many women are hesitant due to differing views on HPV vaccination from those around them. Photo illustration: Photo AC

Hong's gynecologist also advised her against complacency, recommending regular checkups and screenings as advised by the Ministry of Health for prevention or early detection of cervical cancer.

Faced with conflicting opinions within her family, Hong remains undecided. Her primary concern isn't the cost or the opposition, but whether preventive measures at her age are truly beneficial.

Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of VNVC Vaccination System, explained that these misconceptions highlight the belief that HPV is solely linked to infidelity, that condoms prevent HPV transmission, or that the virus, transmitted through sexual contact including anal or oral sex, only affects women. This shows a lack of awareness about the prevalence and potential risks of HPV.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, approximately 8 in 10 men and women will be infected with one or more sexually transmitted HPV types at some point in their lives. Most infected individuals show no symptoms and may be unaware of their infection, yet they can still transmit the virus or develop HPV-related conditions later.

Dr. Chinh explained that HPV has multiple transmission routes. The primary route is sexual contact, with less common transmission from mother to child during vaginal birth. Therefore, even monogamous individuals can contract HPV.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are linked to persistent infections with high-risk HPV types. In Vietnam, cervical cancer is the 5th most common cancer in women aged 15-44, according to the HPV Information Center in 2023.

However, HPV infection doesn't automatically lead to immediate cancer. HPV, upon infecting the cervical epithelium, causes changes in the squamous or glandular epithelium. Most of these lesions regress spontaneously within a relatively short period (about 1-3 years) or do not progress to a severe form. If a woman is infected with high-risk HPV and has other risk factors, the initial lesion can persist and progress over 10-20 years through stages of intraepithelial neoplasia to form cervical cancer. Other risk factors for HPV infection include being HIV-positive, having multiple sexual partners, and smoking.

Therefore, Dr. Chinh recommends proactive HPV prevention. Preventive measures include lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, practicing safe sex, and getting the HPV vaccine at a healthcare facility. Women aged 21-65 should undergo regular cervical cancer screenings as advised by healthcare professionals. Additionally, some studies suggest that voluntary male circumcision can reduce the risk of HPV transmission in men.

"A proper understanding of HPV and its preventive measures will empower women to effectively protect their health," she said.

Hai My

HPV is the human papillomavirus. HPV infection is common worldwide. Most infections are asymptomatic and clear up on their own, but persistent infections can lead to diseases, precancerous conditions, and cancers in both men and women. Individual action is necessary to raise awareness for prevention in the community "For a Vietnam free from the burden of HPV." Consult with a healthcare professional and learn more about HPV at hpv.vn.