The DGS updated the regulation on 8 April regarding the vaccination strategy against human papillomavirus (HPV) in the National Immunisation Program, extending immunisation to age 26.

Primary prevention strategies

The Portuguese League Against Cancer (LPCC) welcomes this measure in a statement, affirming that it represents "a significant advance" in primary cancer prevention strategies, aligned with national and international objectives for the control and elimination of HPV-associated diseases.

According to data released by the League, HPV is responsible for approximately 100% of cervical cancers, 99% of genital warts, 84% of anal cancers, and significant percentages of oropharyngeal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers, totalling 5% of cancers overall and 10% of cancers in women.

Solid scientific evidence

The president of the LPCC, Vítor Veloso, states that this decision by the Ministry of Health and the DGS, “based on solid scientific evidence, is an extremely relevant step” towards protecting more people at a crucial stage of life.

But, despite this “giant step,” which “will bring incalculable benefits to cancer prevention,” Vítor Veloso argues that there is still a way to go to eliminate cancers caused by HPV in Portugal.

Vaccinating more age groups

“It is essential to continue reflecting on strategies that allow us to expand vaccination to other age groups, such as those between 30 and 50 years old, but also to particularly vulnerable population groups,” argues the president of the LPCC.

Vítor Veloso reinforces that the elimination of HPV-associated cancers requires “a continuous and comprehensive approach throughout the life cycle.”

“Our mission continues and requires a continuous effort in awareness, high adherence to vaccination, and the maintenance of screening programs so that we can, in fact, eradicate this disease,” he emphasizes.

Expanding the National Immunisation Program

The LPCC states that, since the introduction of the vaccine in Portugal, it has been “an active and pioneering voice” in raising awareness and advocating for the expansion of the National Vaccination Program, arguing that “widespread access to the vaccine is essential to protect the health of more generations and to achieve the ambitious goal of eliminating HPV-related cancers.”

For the League, HPV vaccination should be seen as part of an integrated vision of cancer prevention, which includes not only high vaccination coverage, but also the continuity and adherence to screening programs and the strengthening of health literacy among the population.

"Only through the articulation of these dimensions will it be possible to maximise the impact of preventive strategies, reduce inequalities in access and ensure sustained health gains throughout life," she emphasises.

Transmission of the virus

HPV is a common virus, transmitted through sexual contact – genital or oral – with which 75 to 80% of people have contact at some point in their lives.

Although often eliminated naturally by the body, it can persist and lead to the development of diseases such as genital warts and various cancers.