HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer

In the shared information message, it was stated that cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and it was recommended to vaccinate girls aged 9-14 against cervical cancer.
The following information about cervical cancer was included in the post made by the Erzincan Provincial Health Directorate:
“The number of women who are prevented from dying from cervical cancer in a country is directly proportional to the development of that country in terms of health services and the value given to women. Cervical Cancer, which is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, has been proven to reduce the mortality rates due to the disease when early diagnosis is made with screening methods. For this reason, our Ministry has included cervical cancer screenings into its detailed health programs and continues to carry it out with great success.
January has been designated as Cervical Cancer Awareness month and Awareness events are organized in many countries of the world to draw attention to the disease. In our country, awareness activities are held in all our provinces, our screening programs are introduced and our people are tried to raise awareness on this issue.
'Why is cervical cancer important?'
Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. Cervical cancer is a highly treatable type of cancer when detected early.
'What are the risk factors?'
Over 30 years of age with untreated Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and/or other sexually transmitted infections. (HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that can cause at least six types of cancer, including cervical cancer.) Giving multiple births and giving birth at an early age. Starting an active sexual life at an early age (before the age of 16). Having more than one sexual partner. To smoke. Having a low socioeconomic status. Having diseases with a weakened immune system (such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus/HIV).
'What are the symptoms?'
Changes that develop in the cervix before cancer are usually asymptomatic, but can be detected in the early period with pelvic examination, Pap Smear test and HPV tests.
See a healthcare professional immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Increased or unusual discharge from the vagina, pain in the back, legs, or genitals, tiredness, weight loss, loss of appetite, swelling in one or both legs, while urinating If pain is observed, if there is light bleeding in the form of spotting at times other than the normal menstrual period, if there is menstrual bleeding that lasts longer or heavier than normal, if bleeding or pain is observed during or after sexual intercourse, if post-enopausal bleeding is observed, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
'Early diagnosis'
Cervical cancer, which can be treated with screening and early diagnosis, is among the causes of death from cancer today. Cervical cancer is the most common disease associated with HPV. Almost all cervical cancers develop due to HPV infection. HPV also causes genital and oral cavity cancers in men and women. Detection of HPV facilitates the diagnosis of cancer by pointing to the precancerous changes in the cervix in the early period. Two screening tests, developed to help prevent or detect cervical cancer early, are widely used today.
HPV testing; It is a test based on the detection of the virus (Human papilloma virus) that can cause cellular changes in the cervix in the cells of the cervix.
Pap smear test; It is a test based on the search for precancerous conditions (cell changes in the cervix) that can develop into cervical cancer if not treated appropriately.
Both tests are extremely simple and painless procedures and are performed at the same time.
Cervical cancer is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a "preventable cause of death". In accordance with the National Cancer Screening Program implemented in our country, HPV and Pap Test are applied to women between the ages of 30-65 every 5 years in line with our screening standards.
'Where can screening tests be done?'
Cervical cancer screenings in our country; It is carried out free of charge in Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Training Centers (KETEM), Healthy Life Centers (SHM), Family Health Centers (ASM) operating as affiliated units of Community Health Centers.
'Treatment'
When diagnosed at an early stage, the tumor can be surgically removed without the need for additional treatment. If it is encountered at a more advanced stage, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are given. Which treatment is applied to whom and how varies according to the stage.
'Protection'
There are vaccines developed against the most cancer-causing types of HPV with high protection. The World Health Organization recommends that girls aged 9-14 be vaccinated against cervical cancer.
Having screening tests regularly from the age of 30. Educating about safe sex. Using a condom during sexual activity. Male circumcision. Not smoking.”