Human papillomavirus: screening and vaccination

Every year, 500 000 women worldwide are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Currently, there is no doubt that certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) do act as causative agents of cervical cancer. Nowadays there are more than 150 different types of HPV are known. Certain types of viruses by affecting the epithelium of humans and animals lead to appearance of warts or papillomas, others lead to malignancy of squamous epithelium. The most common HPV types are 16 and 18, cause cervical cancer. Vaccination and screening are the most effective tools for preventing cervical cancer. Preventive vaccines are currently registered and actively used in many countries around the world.