Renowned oncologist Dr. Catherine Nyongesa, Founder, Managing Director, and CEO of the Texas Cancer Center, has publicly endorsed the government’s initiative to vaccinate girls under the age of 15 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the fight against cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine, which protects against strains of HPV that are most commonly linked to cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 but can be administered starting at age 9.
Dr. Nyongesa expressed her strong support for the government's commitment to ensuring that all girls under the age of 15 receive the HPV vaccine to protect them from the virus, which is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer. She emphasized the importance of early intervention in cancer prevention, noting that regular cervical cancer screening can detect precancerous changes early, enabling timely treatment.
"In the fight against cervical cancer, prevention is key. Vaccinating girls below 15 is a vital step in reducing future cases of cervical cancer, and it is equally important that women between the ages of 25 and 50 undergo regular screenings every five years starting at age 25," Dr. Nyongesa stated.
Dr. Nyongesa also reiterated that while the HPV vaccine is crucial, women who have received the vaccine should continue to get screened for cervical cancer regularly. “Receiving the HPV vaccine does not eliminate the need for screening. It's vital that every woman continues to prioritize cervical cancer screening to detect any potential issues early," she added.
The government’s initiative aims to protect young girls from HPV-related cancers, contributing significantly to efforts to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the country. Dr. Nyongesa’s endorsement underscores the critical role of vaccination and regular screening in the broader fight against this preventable disease.