Many HPV information campaigns have centered on cervical cancer – of which virtually 100% or nearly half a million cases per year worldwide -- are associated with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). However, there is another HPV illness affecting a greater number of men and women worldwide, according to the visiting Chief Examiner in Gynecological Oncology for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

According to US data, about 50% of sexually active men and women, at some point in their lives, will be infected by HPV. Genital Warts, a disease caused by certain types of HPV, is a significant public health problem according to the presentation made by Dr. Gerard V. Wain last July 28 at EDSA Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City.

Citing data from the Health Protection Agency of the United Kingdom, Dr. Wain disclosed that genital warts incidence in the UK has increased 18% in females and 34% in male from 1996 to 2005. In the United States, an estimated half to one million new cases of genital warts occur every year. About 1 percent of sexually active Americans have genital warts at any one time.

"The burden of the disease caused by HPV is beyond the numbers," Dr. Wain emphasized. "Those who have been affected by genital warts reported recurring medical problems, sexual difficulties, psychosocial distress, financial burden, and social isolation."

The Australian oncologist noted that a quadrivalent HPV recombinant vaccine has shown to help protect against four types of HPV: types 16 and 18 which cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers; and types 6 and 11, which cause approximately 90% of genital warts.

In the Philippines, the said quadrivalent HPV recombinant vaccine, which has been indicated for use among women ages 9-45, was also recently approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) for men ages 9-26. This will help protect men falling within such age range against genital warts.

In conclusion, Dr. Wain said that given the prevalence of genital warts that affect millions of individuals worldwide, "The reported efficacy of this HPV vaccine is an important development in the global fight against sexually transmitted illnesses."

Dr. Wain is the Director and Senior Staff Specialist of the Gynecological Oncology Unit at the Westmead Hospital in NSW Australia and is a Senior Lecturer for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Sydney. He held posts in prestigious medical institutions such as the Royal Hospital for Women, Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia and Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in the United Kingdom. He also served as Senior Lecturer for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Sydney and Scientific Director for the NSW Cervical Screening Program at the Cancer Institute in NSW Australia.

Additional Important Information to Note:
HPV vaccination is contraindicated in individuals who are hypersensitive to the active substances or to any of the excipients of the vaccine.

The healthcare provider should inform the patient, parent or guardian that vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. Women who receive HPV vaccination should continue to undergo cervical cancer screening per standard of care.

HPV vaccination is not recommended for pregnant women.

Vaccination may not result in protection in all vaccine recipients.

HPV vaccination will not protect against diseases that are not caused by HPV.

The quadrivalent vaccine mentioned in this article is not intended to be used for treatment of active genital warts; cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancers; or cervical, vulvar, or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasias.