HPV virus (human papillomavirus) is the origin of cervical cancer and entering the body, it increases risk of cancer, WEBDA reported.

Faculty Member at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Fatemeh Hasanzadeh, PhD, said that sexual contact causes transmission of HPV. “It plays a direct role in emergence of mouth, pharynx and larynx, rectum, and cervical cancers.”

“HPV vaccine secures one against 99.7 percent of cervical cancers. The best time to receive it is between the ages of 14 and 26 years, before the first sexual contact.”

She added, “Receiving two doses of the vaccine at the age of 14 as well as three doses at higher ages, one can be secured between 95 to 100 percent against the virus.”

“Currently, injection of HPV vaccine is under due in many nations based on protocol of World Health Organization (WHO); thus, cervical cancer will be eradicated in these countries between the next 20 to 30 years.”

Dr. Hasanzadeh called for inclusion of HPV vaccination in National Immunization Plan, maintaining that vaccination against HPV virus will prevent huge costs of treating mouth, pharynx and larynx, rectum and cervical cancers. 

She asserted that screening as well as vaccination against HPV is essential, saying, “Receiving HPV vaccine at any time costs 92 dollars and receiving three doses ultimately will prevent huge costs.”

“Cervical cancer is identifiable with a Pap test, however, due to weakness of screening, unfortunately, it is done when the patient has symptoms and needs aggressive treatments.”

Also, head of Prevention and Fight against Diseases Group at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mohammad Jafar Sadeghi, PhD, noted that cervical cancer vaccination and of related cancers has been supported by Ministry of Health and Medical Education since a few years ago.

Dr. Sadeghi added that vaccination of HPV-related cancers is under due across the nation.

“Currently, HPV vaccine is available in private sector for potential female patients possessing  physician’s prescription.”

“One possible reason for non-use of HPV vaccine in Iran is the costs as the vaccination is conducted in multiple doses.”

“Due to prevalence of cervical cancer among Iranian women, making them aware of the cancer seems vital.”

Also, Zahra Nahbandani, PhD, noted that cervical cancer mostly occurs between ages of 15 to 49. Thus, in the nations featuring vaccination system, the vaccine is injected in these years.

“In Iran, the HPV vaccination is not supported yet as the cost for vaccine has not been paid by Health Ministry. We hope that in future the cancer’s prevention as well as its vaccination will be conducted for Iranian females free of charge.”