World Cancer Day was last month on February 4th, and World HPV Day is tomorrow, March 4th. Now positioned between the two, it’s a great time to discuss the role of vaccines in preventing cancer. Vaccines are designed to protect against viruses; however, certain viruses, such as HPV, can lead to cancer. Therefore, the HPV vaccine serves as an important tool in cancer prevention.
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus is a group of nearly 200 viruses which are transmitted through oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse. It is not spread through pools, toilet seats, or sharing utensils. The virus is very common, with an estimated 42 million Americans currently infected and 13 million new infections occurring each year. If left undetected and untreated, certain HPV infections can lead to one of six types of cancers that affect both men and women: cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and cancers of the nose and throat. HPV can be symptomless, which is why regular testing, such as Pap tests for women, is important for ensuring early detection. Currently, there is no HPV screening test available for men, making vaccination even more important!
The Center for Disease and Control (CDC) recommends the HPV vaccine for all adolescents between the ages of 11 and 12 but the vaccine can be administered as early as age 9. The vaccine is administered as a two-dose series for people who initiate vaccination between the ages of 9 and 14. If the vaccination protocol is initiated between the ages of 15 and 45, an additional dose will be required, making it a three-dose series. The HPV vaccine is routine and can be administered with other vaccinations.
The American Cancer Society and National HPV Roundtable are advocating for starting the vaccination protocol at age 9, rather than the currently recommended 11-12. Emerging has highlighted the benefits of starting HPV vaccination at age 9. Some of these can include:
- Ensure the patient only needs two doses.
- Stronger immune response to the vaccine, making it more effective.
- More time to complete the vaccination series before age 13.
- Stronger cancer protection.
- Fewer shots per visit to the doctor’s office.
- Increases vaccination rates overall.
- Has been shown to be highly acceptable to providers and parents.
The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against HPV and related cancers. Adolescents who receive all recommended doses of the vaccine are safeguarded against over 90% of HPV-related cancers for life. However, the vaccine is only preventive and cannot treat current HPV infections. This is why it is recommended to adolescents who have not yet engaged in intercourse. Administering the full vaccination prior to any sexual activities is the most effective way to protect against HPV and related cancers.
Concerned about the cost? Most private health insurance covers the HPV vaccines for boys and girls. Check with your insurance provider for details. If you are uninsured or underinsured, Vaccines for Children (VFC), a CDC program, will cover the cost for the HPV vaccine. The program provides free vaccines to children and teens until 19 years of age, who are either Medicaid-eligible, American Indian or Alaska Native, underinsured, or uninsured. More information can be found on the CDC website.
The bottom line is vaccines are a cancer prevention strategy! The HPV vaccine has been safely administered for almost 20 years and has protected millions from related cancers. Since the introduction of the HPV vaccine, cervical pre-cancer incidence decreased 79% . With World HPV Day approaching, take this opportunity to ensure you or your child are up to date with the HPV vaccine!
For more information:
