Hi, I want to ask if the HPV vaccine is for younger girls right? But I’m already married and in my 30s—still got point to take or not ah? Or too late already?
It must have been difficult to go through the grief and loss of your mom. Sorry to hear that. Similarly, well done on reflecting on her illness and making conscious lifestyle choices! The best person to guide you through this would be a breast surgeon who could see you, and take a full family historRead more
It must have been difficult to go through the grief and loss of your mom. Sorry to hear that.
Similarly, well done on reflecting on her illness and making conscious lifestyle choices! The best person to guide you through this would be a breast surgeon who could see you, and take a full family history, including how old your mom was when she was initially diagnosed.
Furthermore, it would also be important to note if your mom had genetic screening done, and if she had inherited breast cancer mutation genes. This would have implications into your screening approach, and genetic testing. Genetic testing is mainly indicated for family members of a breast cancer patient carrying predisposing germline (inherited) genetic mutations.
It’s also important to note that screening isn’t a one-time approach, it is a continued process, and is usually recommended once every 3 years for ladies without strong family history, above the age of 50. Screening in a young lady could include breast ultrasound or breast MRI.
I wish this information could help you make further informed choice and guide you moving forward!
Regards,
Dr Nina
Consultant Clinical Oncologist,
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
Website: Dr Nina Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
IG: @ninaabdulsatar
The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.
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This is a very commonly asked question by my patients who are in their 30s or already sexually active. Yes, the HPV vaccine can still be beneficial. It helps protect against several strains of the human papillomavirus, especially the high-risk types linked to cervical cancer. Some vaccines cover upRead more
This is a very commonly asked question by my patients who are in their 30s or already sexually active.
Yes, the HPV vaccine can still be beneficial. It helps protect against several strains of the human papillomavirus, especially the high-risk types linked to cervical cancer. Some vaccines cover up to nine strains, including the most common cancer-causing ones.
Although it works best when given before any exposure to HPV, women who are already sexually active can still benefit—especially if they haven’t been exposed to all the strains the vaccine protects against, which is often the case.
For adults aged 15 and above, the full schedule usually consists of three doses over six months—typically given at 0, 1–2, and 6 months.
That said, the HPV vaccine doesn’t replace cervical screening. According to the current Malaysian guidelines, all sexually active women aged 30 to 65 should undergo HPV testing every 5 years, even after vaccination, as the vaccine doesn’t protect against all HPV types.
Getting vaccinated alongside routine screening gives the best protection against cervical cancer.
Regards,
Dr Say
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sayweixian/?hl=en
References:
See lessGuidelines for Cervical Cancer Screening in Malaysia, Second Edition (2023), Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www2.moh.gov.my/moh/modules_resources/bookshelf/Guidelines_For_Cervical_Cancer_Screening_in_Malaysia_2023/Guidelines_For_Cervical_Cancer_Screening_in_Malaysia_2023.pdf