Oncologist explains importance of HPV vaccination

MINSK, 3 May (BelTA) - The HPV vaccine is crucial for preventing HPV-related cancers, Sergei Mavrichev, Deputy Director for Medical Work of the Alexandrov National Scientific and Practical Center of Oncology and Medical Radiology, said on the air of the RTR Belarus TV channel, BelTA has learned.

It has been proven that cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Harald zur Hausen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this discovery.

“There is no doubt. Since there is an infectious agent, that means a vaccine can be created that will prevent infection,” Sergei Mavrichev noted. “The process of cervical cancer development involves the transmission of the human papillomavirus. Typically, this occurs through sexual contact, but contact-based transmission through everyday means has now also been proven. In principle, every person on Earth encounters HPV. In 90% of people, the immune system successfully fights it off. In 10% of women, for some reason, this immune response fails.”

According to him, there are two prevention programs. The first option is vaccination against the human papillomavirus, which prevents the virus from integrating into host cells. The second one is secondary prevention, where doctors detect the disease at a precancerous, pre-tumor stage.

In Belarus, the vaccine was officially incorporated into the vaccination schedule for 11-year-old girls. “In 2025, we also launched a clinical screening program for the female population, in which women aged 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 undergo an HPV test. This is a cervical smear for HPV testing to determine whether the virus is present or not. If the virus is not present, the probability of developing cervical cancer within the next five years approaches zero. The screening program will continue until the girls who are now beginning to be vaccinated grow up,” Sergei Mavrichev said.

Vaccination of boys is also being discussed, and research is ongoing. “Ultimately, each country decides for itself whether it is advisable to vaccinate boys as well. However, data shows that if we vaccinate all girls, an immune layer is created that prevents the circulation of the virus. I all girls are vaccinated, the virus will not 'spread,'” Sergei Mavrichev noted. “Therefore, the situation requires additional research and study.”

As for cervical cancer, it is advisable to follow all recommendations: at ages 21, 24, and 27 - a Pap test. At ages 30 and 35, and then every 5 years - an HPV test.

“If you have children, consider vaccinating girls against the human papillomavirus at age 11. That is also essential. In doing so, we will spare our children, our future, from such a serious problem as cervical cancer,” Sergei Mavrichev added.

According to him, the more affluent a country is, the more vaccines are included in the state-funded vaccination schedule. In Belarus, in this regard, everything is at the highest level. Vaccination has made it possible to defeat terrible diseases.