Don’t Give Cervical Cancer a Chance, Vaccinate Against HPV

Parents never want to see their children in harm’s way. But, in a surprising new study, researchers have found that teen girls who live in states with the highest cervical cancer rates are least likely to get vaccinated against HPV.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, causes almost all cervical cancers. So, this lack of immunization means the trend of more cancers will likely continue. Learning about the vaccine – and encouraging your teen to get it – can help break the trend, no matter where you reside.

Vaccination Leads to Better Health

The HPV vaccine provides nearly 100% protection against precancerous growths. It also offers a potent defense against the strain of HPV the causes genital warts.

What’s more, the side effects from the vaccine are typically mild and include arm swelling, fever and headache. And because the shot contains only protein from the HPV virus, it can’t cause infections or cancer.

Facts About HPV
HPV is spread through sexual contact. Almost all sexually active adults will eventually catch at least one strain of the virus. In fact, about 79 million Americans currently have HPV.

• Nine out of 10 times, these infections go away on their own- and many cause no symptoms at all. Most people never even know they’re infected.
• But 1 in 10 people will eventually develop health problems from HPV. Besides cervical cancer, these invlude:
  • Anal, vulvar, vaginal, or penile cancer
  • Genital warts
  • Cancer in the back of the throat

Every year, cancer caused by HPV strikes about 17,500 women and 9,300 men. And one in 100 sexually active adults has genital warts at any given time.

The Time to Act Is Now

Your pre-teens’ doctor may ask you about getting your child the shot. You might be surprised that he or she brings it up, even if you don’t think your child is sexually active. But the HPV vaccine works best in people who haven’t yet been exposed to the virus through sexual contact. Boys and girls ages 11 or 12 get two doses of the HPV vaccine within six months. The vaccine is given at this age for the best
immune response. The vaccine is also available for females between age 9 and 26, and males between age 9 and 21. Some men, such as those with compromised immune systems, can still get the vaccine through age 26 if they weren’t vaccinated earlier. After age 14, the vaccine should be given in three doses.

Cervical Cancer & HPV: What You Need to Know

The HPV vaccine is an effective way to prevent HPV infection and related cancers. It has been in use for cancer prevention in young person’s ages 9-26 and is now approved for men and women ages 27 to 45 by the Food and Drug Administration. Speak with an SMGOR practitioner for further information.