(Concern) Should women in their 40s and 50s also get the cervical cancer prevention shot?

I have concerns at a late age.

It is generally known that it is better to receive the cervical cancer prevention vaccine at a young age.

Is it better for women in their 40s to 50s to get the cervical cancer vaccine? When should they get it?

The cervical cancer vaccine we commonly refer to is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. HPV is known not only as the cause of cervical cancer but also of vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer. It is mostly transmitted through sexual contact and is considered a relatively common virus, infecting about one in three adult women.

Fortunately, in Korea, since 2016, cervical cancer vaccines (bivalent and quadrivalent) have been administered as basic free vaccinations to 12-year-old girls twice at six-month intervals. This year, starting from March 14, the scope of national support was expanded to include female adolescents aged 13 to 17 and women aged 18 to 26 from low-income groups, which I think is a good welfare measure.

The HPV vaccine can be administered to anyone aged 9 and older regardless of sexual experience, and the number of doses and intervals between doses vary depending on the age at vaccination and the type of vaccine. Therefore, I understand that if you are to receive the HPV vaccine, you should consult with a doctor before getting vaccinated.

Last year, I went for a gynecological exam, and the doctor recommended that I get one even if I didn't think I needed it. I thought it was meant for teenagers, so I was surprised when he told me I should get one.

 

When asked if they should get a preventive vaccine before adolescence or their first sexual experience,

It is best to get vaccinated before the first sexual experience, but even after sexual activity has begun or if exposed to a specific HPV genotype, vaccination can prevent other types of HPV, so HPV vaccination is recommended. HPV can also cause anal and throat cancers in men, so vaccination is also recommended for men.

 

You haven't mentioned such things while receiving treatment until now.

I'm in my 40s to 50s, so I feel a bit surprised that you recommend it at my age. Is it still appropriate now?

 

Types of Cervical Cancer Vaccines

It is classified based on the number of preventable types among over 150 types of human papillomavirus, and there are three types: Cervarix 2, Gardasil 4, and Gardasil 9.

 

Servarix 2: Type 16, Type 18

Gardasil 4-valent: Types 16, 18, 6, 11

Gardasil 9: Types 16, 18, 6, 11, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58

Types 16 and 18 viruses account for 70% of the causative agents of cervical cancer worldwide, and types 6 and 11 are the causes of condyloma, also known as genital warts.

 

The HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 included in Gardasil 9 are also high-risk viruses that can cause cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and anal cancer. Globally, the infection rates are highest for HPV types 16, 18, 31, and 45 in that order, but in our country, the infection rates are higher for types 16, 52, 58, and 18.

If possible, it's better to get a shot with a vaccine that offers many types of prevention. If you're getting one, you should get Gardasil 9.

 

I suddenly have a worry and feel confused.

Did everyone get the Gardasil 9 vaccination?

 

 

 

✨️How to boost uterine immunity? ✨️

 

When the overall immunity of the entire body improves, the immunity of internal organs also increases, so it is helpful to consume foods that boost overall immunity, maintain a regular lifestyle, and engage in consistent exercise.

 

Good food

It is good to consume a variety of vegetables and fruits, and to eat foods rich in unsaturated fats such as olive oil, nuts, and salmon, as well as seaweed, legumes, and tofu which contain plant-based proteins!

 

Foods to avoid

It is best to consume foods high in fat, animal fats, sugar, processed foods, or foods with high salt content in moderation.

 

▪️Recommended exercises: strength training / aerobic exercise

Obesity causes chronic inflammation, which weakens the immune system, so weight loss is also important. Engaging in strength training and aerobic exercise 3-5 times a week for about 30-60 minutes each session can also be helpful.

 

Indeed, exercise is essential for health. 👍