日本性感染症学会誌 Journal of Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Infections

The spread of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the improvement of the screening rate are indispensable cervical cancer preventive strategies. However, in Japan, the proactive recommendation of the HPV vaccine remains suspended in spite of the fact that it has become a periodical inoculation, and the vaccination rate at present is 0.3%. The prevalence of cervical cancer has increased over the past 7 years, and about 20,000 women may die in the future. To overcome this situation, local governments must inform the target population that they have the right to receive periodical inoculation, and individual notices should have the correct information of the system. The decision on vaccination should be entrusted to the target person or their guardian. In addition, accurate information about the HPV vaccine is necessary for self-determination of vaccination. It is essential that education on cervical cancer and vaccination be done at schools. However, today, there is a lack of knowledge on the part of the educator; therefore, cervical cancer education should be conducted in collaboration with specialists and teachers.