A importância das vacinas na erradicação do vírus do papiloma humano (HPV) e na prevenção do câncer cervical

Abstract

This article addresses the importance of vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) in preventing viral infections and, consequently, in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer, one of the most common and deadly malignancies among women globally. HPV is a highly prevalent virus, with more than 200 identified types, of which types 16 and 18 are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases. The introduction of bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent vaccines represents a significant advancement in public health, offering specific protection against the most oncogenic HPV types. In this context, the objectives of this study include analyzing the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing HPV infections, reducing precancerous lesions, and decreasing the incidence of cervical cancer. Furthermore, it seeks to identify the main challenges in implementing vaccination programs and evaluate the public policies that have been adopted to promote vaccination in various populations. The results obtained indicate that vaccination against HPV is highly effective in preventing infections by the HPV types included in the vaccines, demonstrating a significant reduction in the incidence of precancerous lesions, such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Selected articles showed that countries with established vaccination programs report a sharp decline in high-grade CIN rates and an initial decrease in cervical cancer incidence among young vaccinated women. The effectiveness of the vaccines, combined with well-structured vaccination programs and educational campaigns, has the potential to transform global public health, significantly reducing the burden of HPV-associated diseases and improving the quality of life for affected populations.