Awareness Key for HPV Vaccine Implementation

Comprehensive strategies that are sensitive to local culture are required for the successful implementation of widespread cervical cancer vaccination in Asian nations, says an expert. [Med 2007 Aug-Sept;45:130-4]

In Asia, successful implementation of mass human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination has been challenging, as many women are still unaware of the burden of cervical cancer, its relationship to HPV and the vaccines available to combat this disease, said Professor Sun-Kuie Tay, chief, gynecologic oncology section, Singapore General Hospital.

Public awareness regarding oncogenic HPV infection and cervical cancer must be heightened and it should be sensitive to the local culture, said Tay, who is also a clinical associate professor at the National University of Singapore. For example, in Hong Kong, women preferred awareness campaigns that have less emphasis on sexual transmission, for fear of stigmatization. [Med 2007 Aug-Sept;45:130-4]

Additionally, educational steps must be taken to disseminate evidence-based information on the safety and efficacy of cervical cancer vaccines in women, Tay told the audience at a GlaxoSmithKline-sponsored symposium. This step can be done through continuing medical education and guidelines for physicians, and public health education programs for the general public.

Physicians should also promote the use of the vaccine by discussing its role in preventing cervical cancer with adult women and mothers, particularly as an online survey by the Singaporean Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society has shown that many women would like to talk to their physician about HPV and the vaccine, Tay said. The survey also found that physician recommendation is the main factor in HPV vaccine acceptance.

Consequently, the increase in the demand for the HPV vaccine will allow for formulation of national mass vaccination policies. Since the vaccine is prophylactic, these policies should target adolescence girls, aged 12 to 16, as well as young and adult women via school-based and clinic-based programs, immunization campaigns and, to ensure compliance, vaccine dose schedules.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common female cancers in Asia. While Pap smear screening is an effective cervical cancer control system, many Asian countries lack the resources to implement a comprehensive screening program.