Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with one in 20 types of cancer in the world. Each year, nearly half a million people die from HPV-related cancer. Many of these deaths can be prevented through access to vaccinations and cervical cancer screening programs. The World Health Organization recommends 90 percent participation. The Netherlands now achieves 63 per cent.
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“The rate of HPV vaccination in the Netherlands should improve,” said the Dutch Cancer-Free Task Force. Team leaders are gynecological oncologist Helen van Beckhuizen and pathologist Volkert van Kemenade from Erasmus MC. In the Netherlands, the task force is active in raising the level of vaccination to a higher level.
Detective
Women can protect themselves from cervical cancer by participating in population screening, even if they have been vaccinated. Van Kemenade: “This allows you to detect earlier stages of cervical cancer and can treat it in time.” This examination begins at the age of thirty. In 2022 and 2023, all people aged 12-18 who have not yet been vaccinated will receive an invitation to vaccinate against HPV.
HPV vaccination
Van Beekhuizen: There will be another campaign to compensate everyone between the ages of 18 and 26. People over the age of 26 can get the vaccination through their GP, but they have to pay for it themselves. Vaccination now costs about 400 euros. Vaccination of girls and boys also contributes to herd immunity. The task force says participation in screening could be improved. The World Health Organization recommends 70 percent.
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