It can take 20 years from infection with human papilloma to cancer

Since the moment of infection human papilloma virus (HPV) until chronification and the development of cancer” can occur up to 20 years“This was stated by Rafael Jose Navarro, a specialist in the gynecology and oncology service at the Madrid Oncology Center named after Dr. Anderson.

“It’s very important to remember this because at some point before it becomes chronic, there is an opportunity to get tested, get early diagnosis and treatment “on time,” Navarro added.

HPV is infection most common sexual transmission in Spain. It is estimated that more than 80% of the population A sexually active person will become infected at some point in their life through direct contact, whether oral or genital.

Worldwide, the virus is associated with approximately 5% of all tumors in men and women. In men, this is especially noticeable with cancer of the penis and oropharynx, and in women with cancer of the cervix, vulva and vagina.

They are currently identified. more than 200 serotypes within the broad HPV family, although experts distinguish between low and high risk. “Low-risk viruses are usually associated with the development of genital warts and/or oropharyngeal warts. high risk are responsible for approximately 70% injury precancerous diseases, cervical cancer and other oncological pathologies, such as tumors of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus and oropharynx,” explains the expert, emphasizing that “the most aggressive HPV is 16, followed by 18.”

This pathology is asymptomatic and the patient is asymptomatic, making prevention extremely important. First of all, vaccination It acts as a primary prevention, protecting a person before a problem occurs. On the other hand, secondary prevention is carried out in adulthood through cytological and gynecological examinations.

“From the age of 35, it is recommended to perform diagnostic test “early every five years, since it has been noted that cytology may not be enough. This way we will get better results and will be able to stratify the risk, adjusting specific monitoring depending on the type of HPV,” the specialist points out, emphasizing that “it is common that even if a woman is infected, her immune system destroys the virus.”

According to experts, vaccination is the main type of prevention. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that in countries that started vaccinating girls in 2007, new diagnoses of HPV 16 and 18 fell by 83%. decreased by 51% new diagnoses of high-grade precancerous lesions.

In the European Union, about 77% of its member countries vaccinate against the virus, although only 48% do so for both men and women.

In Spain, the recommendation to include the vaccine in the immunization schedule for girls aged 11 to 14 was made in 2009. It was only in 2018 that it was proposed to systematically vaccinate both girls and boys. However, this measure It was not approved until 2023..

Starting this year, the HPV vaccine will be included in the mandatory vaccination schedule for boys and girls aged 10 to 12 years, since, as Navarro emphasizes, HPV is “not a pathology ‘only for women’.”