Study shows that mortality from cancers linked to HPV is high and can be avoided with primary prevention

A study by the Cancer Foundation released this Tuesday (5) showed that around six thousand cases of cancer related to the human papillomavirus (HPV) could be prevented per year through primary prevention.

The data is alarming, mainly because it does not include the estimated 17 thousand cases annually of cervical cancer, the most common type associated with HPV. Furthermore, prevention could prevent around 4,500 deaths per year.

The fourth edition of the research “The impact of HPV on different types of cancer in Brazil” analyzed five types of cancer: oropharynx, anus and anal canal, vagina, vulva and penis. According to the analysis, the majority of patients arrive at health units in advanced stages of the disease, especially in cases of oropharyngeal cancer, a tumor that develops in part of the throat. 88% of men and 84% of women arrive with advanced disease.

On the other hand, in cases of vulvar cancer, more than 50% of tumors arrive at the initial stage of the disease.

The survey also indicates that there are flaws in relation to the waiting time to start treatment after diagnosis.

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“The data shows that the majority of people who arrive at the hospital with a diagnosis in hand are treated for more than 60 days, which violates law 12,732/12, which guarantees citizens to begin treatment within this period after diagnosis. of the disease. This shows that there is a faulty flow in the health system, suggesting a delay in investigation in secondary care and in referral to therapy”, highlights the executive director of the Luiz Augusto Maltoni Foundation.

The study observed that, in general, the majority of patients are over 50 years of age (78%), have low education (64%) and are black (56% of men and 53% of women). The data also highlights that cases that could be prevented, largely through vaccination, could also reduce public health costs.

“In addition to prevention, prevention would reduce spending on diagnosis, treatment and hospitalizations, including opening up space for patients with other types of cancer in the healthcare system”, analyzes the executive director of the Cancer Foundation.

Prevention, detection and control

Eight out of every 10 people will be infected by HPV at some point in their lives, which is why vaccination is a fundamental measure for preventing these types of cancer, being a resource available in the SUS, for boys and girls, between 9 and 14 years old, in addition of women and men aged 15 to 45 years living with HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients and cancer patients.

“What is observed is that despite immunization being available free of charge in the SUS, there is still difficulty in achieving adequate vaccination coverage. And this difficulty becomes greater when it comes to the complete vaccination schedule, that is, including both doses”, says Flávia Miranda, medical consultant at the Cancer Foundation.

“Advancement in the control of types of cancer related to this virus depends greatly on raising awareness in increasing vaccination coverage, combined with reducing access barriers, guaranteeing and improving the condition of patients arriving at health units, from their diagnosis to the treatment.”

According to Alfredo Scaff, epidemiologist and medical consultant at the Cancer Foundation, the data collected can help guide specific public policies.

“These data reinforce the importance of effective early detection strategies, rapid treatment and equal access to healthcare. The information about the time between diagnosis and treatment highlighted in the publication shows that there is a problem in the flow of the health network. Understanding regional disparities is essential to developing targeted interventions and ensuring better outcomes for all patients,” he says.

In relation to possible flow problems in the health network and the delay in starting treatment after diagnosis, the CNN He contacted the Ministry of Health and is awaiting a response.