Cancer occurs when cells in a certain body part grow and divide uncontrollably and form a tumor, and can spread to other body parts. Cancer vaccines train the immune system to shield the body against foreign invaders or abnormal cells.
These vaccines carry an antigen which is similar to the tumor. Once your body is exposed to that, it creates an inflammatory response which can build immunity against cancer.
Cancer cells are good at hiding from our immune cells, and since the body doesn’t recognize them, they are able to grow. Vaccines help the body recognize these deadly cancer cells so that it can fight against them.
Here are certain cancer types that can be prevented by vaccines:
Cervical cancer
HPV vaccine is the only cancer vaccine which is available right now. It is a vaccine which is used against human papilloma virus. This virus is an infection which is acquired during sexual intercourse and the vaccine is given as a prevention. Three doses are administered at the gap of 0, 2 and 6 months. The vaccine can be given to the children between 9-14 years. This is a preventable vaccine.
This vaccine provides more than 90% immunity against cervical cancer. Earlier cervix cancer was the most common cancer among females, and now it has gone to second position, while breast cancer has become the most common cancer in women.
Liver cancer
Hepatitis B vaccination can work by preventing hepatitis B and thereby reducing the risk of liver cancer. Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks (acute) to a serious long-term (chronic) illness that can lead to liver cancer. Getting the hepatitis B vaccine reduces the risk of liver cancer.
This vaccine can prevent hepatitis B infection from turning into liver cirrhosis, which can ultimately prevent hepatocellular carcinoma because, as we know, the majority of liver cancers are because of infection with hepatitis B, so this vaccination also has some role in prevention.
Anal, head and neck, penile, vulvar and vaginal cancers
All these cancers can be prevented with the help of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine.
Prostate cancer
A vaccine called Sipuleucel-T is used for the treatment of people whose prostate cancer has metastasized or spread. Immune cells are exposed to a molecule from prostate cancer cells and then infused back into the body. It can extend survival in people with metastatic prostate cancer.
There is also dendritic vaccine which has a role in you know castration resistant prostate cancer. So, dendrite is nothing but it is an antigen presenting cell. So, dendritic cells are a tumor antigen. This vaccine helps in getting good control rates in prostate cancer that are actually refractory to hormonal therapy, and more and more applications of these cancer vaccines are now being started.
Bladder cancer
In bladder cancer, BCG vaccination is used to treat early-stage malignancies. It is made from inactivated tuberculosis bacteria. When BCG is put into the bladder as a liquid through a catheter, it works by stimulating the immune system cells, which then attack the bladder cancer cells.
This means vaccines are given in the bladder. The body is not exposed, and it is usually given in the early stages of bladder cancer, which is called non-muscle invasive.
Who can take these vaccines?
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Vaccines like hepatitis B are generally recommended for infants, children who haven’t been vaccinated previously, or those who are at higher risk of developing it.
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HPV vaccine can be given to preteens and adults to lower the risk of cervical cancer.
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The BCG vaccine is optimal for those with bladder cancer of early stage.
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Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) is usually recommended for males who are diagnosed with advanced levels of prostate cancer.
Other ways to prevent cancer
Cancer can be prevented with the combination of lifestyle modification and necessary precautions. This may include:
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Modifications like eating well-balanced meals, limiting sugar and processed foods,
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Staying physically active for more than 45 minutes a day,
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Strictly avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol,
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Maintaining a healthy weight, and
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Being vaccinated
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Apply sunscreen every time you step outside to lower your risk of skin cancer.
Additionally, ensure that you do not skip regular checkups as they can provide valuable information about your overall health and help detect cancer at its early stage.
