January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The Blessing Cancer Center is focused on effective treatment, early detection, and prevention of cancer. In honor of this awareness month, the Cancer Center encourages parents to speak with their family’s healthcare provider about the cancer-preventing vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers, but can also lead to cancers of the anus, mouth/throat, penis, vagina, vulva, as well as genital warts.

 “Here at the Blessing Cancer Center we treat patients for many cancers that cannot be prevented,” says Lori Wilkey, Administrative Director of the Cancer Center and Surgical Services at Blessing Hospital. “The HPV vaccine is proven to safely prevent certain types of cancer entirely, so we are passionate about spreading the word.”

Every year in the United States, 27,000 people get cancer caused by HPV. Despite the excellent safety record and efficacy of the HPV vaccines, getting people vaccinated has lagged in the United States.

The recommended age for vaccination is 11-12 years of age for all boys and girls. This is the same age at which children receive the Tdap and meningococcal vaccinations to protect them from meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. The Blessing Cancer Center recommends that all parents of pre-teens talk with their child’s provider if they have any questions about the vaccine.

Facts to know:

  • The HPV vaccine is safe. Scientists from both the CDC and the FDA continue to monitor and report any adverse events and side effects related to HPV vaccines. Most side effects related to the vaccine have been mild and similar to those seen with any other vaccine. Over 67 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been distributed in the US.
  • The HPV vaccine does not interfere with fertility. There are no data to suggest that getting the HPV vaccine will have a negative effect on future fertility. In fact, getting vaccinated and protecting against cervical cancer can help protect a woman’s ability to get pregnant and have healthy babies.
  • The HPV vaccine does not contain harmful ingredients. Like hepatitis B and Tdap vaccines, HPV vaccines contain aluminum, which boosts the body’s immune response to the vaccine. In addition to certain vaccines, aluminum is found in breast milk, infant formula, antacids, and numerous foods and beverages. Typical adults ingest 7 to 9 mgs of aluminum per day; whereas the HPV vaccine contains .225 mgs per dose. The HPV vaccines does not contain mercury.
  • The vaccine is necessary long before sexual activity starts. Younger people create more antibodies to the vaccine than those in their late teens. Making the vaccine most effective at 11 to 12 years of age. Studies have shown there is no correlation between receiving the HPV vaccine and increased rates of (or early engagement in) sexual activity.
  • The HPV vaccine is for males and females. Vaccination helps protect boys from getting infected with the most commons types of HPV that can cause cancers of the throat, penis, and anus; it also helps prevent most genital warts. In addition, when boys are vaccinated, they are less likely to spread HPV to their current or future partners.
  • The effectiveness of HPV vaccine protection is ongoing. Current data shows there is no sign of waning effectiveness. The mechanism of immune memory has been demonstrated in women who have been vaccinated, indicated the vaccine will provide long-term immunity. If it’s discovered that immunity does wane, a booster may be recommended, similar to many other vaccines.

All woman are also encouraged to have regular Pap smears with their gynecological care provider. Pap smears can detect precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix and opening to the uterus. According to the American Cancer Society, women should begin cervical cancer testing (screening) at age 21. Women aged 21 to 29, should have a Pap test every 3 years. After age 30, that frequency can go to every five years.