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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Why is it important that women still have pap tests, even if they've been vaccinated against HPV?

    Related Topics
    Cancer Cervical Cancer
    • 1 answer
    • Prof Jonathan Carter
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    Prof Jonathan Carter

    Gynaecological Oncologist

    Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Sydney Head Sydney Gynaecologic Oncology Group, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Head Gynaecology Services, Sydney South West … View Profile

    Cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus, of which there are over 200 types, 40 of which affect the anogenital tract, 15 cause cervical cancer, but 70% are caused by just two types, 16 and 18. Currently, the available vaccines just have types 16 and 18 in them. So the vaccines do not cover all the HPV types that may cause precancer or cancer, and they may not have all the subtypes of types 16 and 18. That's the reason why it's still important for women to have regular pap smears even though they've been vaccinated.

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