In Japan, most females between the age of 13 to 24 are now unvaccinated for HPV and thus unprotected from HPV-caused cervical cancer.
The researchers analyzed the changes among these unvaccinated females regarding their understanding of the HPV vaccine, its role in cervical cancer prevention, and their need for cervical cancer screening. Results were based on whether they refused vaccination when their government’s recommendation for HPV vaccination was still in effect – or during the last seven years, while the government suspension was on the mark. The vaccination-recommended group knew more about the HPV vaccine and the best timing for HPV vaccination than the recommendation-suspended group.
The study found that girls in the vaccination-recommended group had more chances to talk with the family about cervical cancer. They were more reluctant to acquire the disease. The girls in the recommendation-suspended group tried to feel more inhibited from talking about cervical cancer with friends and acquaintances.
The study concluded that the cervical cancer screening rate and desirability of the vaccination-recommended group were significantly higher as compared to the non-vaccination recommended group.
Reference: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645515.2020.1830684
