HPV infections, related diseases and prevention methods

HPV diseases are common infections that affect the urogenital and pharyngeal mucous membranes. Persistent infection with oncogenic strains leads to tumorigenesis. Diagnosis and treatment of HPV-related disease is often difficult to manage from perspective of the patient and family physician because it refers to symptomatic treatment of the clinical manifestation of the disease in the form of warts or genital warts. Additional treatment generally requires specialised care. The oncogene effect of HPV infection on the development of cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, oral cavity and laryngeal cancers has been demonstrated. Each year, more than 300,000 women die worldwide from cervical cancer. At the same time, over 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in Poland. The primary role in limiting HPV infections is that of preventive vaccination. In Poland, the vaccination is burdened with many restrictions, and thus the vaccination ratio is significantly lower than in other European countries. Only a proper definition of limitations and a detailed attempt to spread treatment will help reduce the incidence of HPV-related cancers. In Poland, only about 20,000 HPV vaccines are performed annually. This vaccination is recommended but no reimbursement. Lack of a common immunisation programme and the high price of vaccines, as well as low public awareness, are major contributors to the low vaccination rates. General practitioners have a fundamental influence on the promotion of health.