To Bachelorettes Everywhere –
Have You Considered the HPV Vaccine?
“There is nothing more important to me
as a physician than your cancer treatment.
I’ve been in practice for nearly two
decades and have had the privilege of
telling many patients that there is life
beyond cancer. As president of The Center
for Cancer and Blood Disorders, I want to
lead by example, practicing a firm belief
that all patients should receive the finest
medical care available, with the same
concern and compassion as a cherished
member of the family.”
Ray Page, D.O., Ph.D.
President and Medical Oncologist
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted
infection (STI). HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people
get it at some point in their lives. There are over 100 different types of
HPV. In most people, HPV is harmless and has no symptoms, but in
some people certain types of virus may persist and lead to genital warts
and cancers.
In Texas 9 out of every 100,000 women will get cervical cancer and an
estimated 369 women will die this year from cervical cancer. In Tex-
as, Blacks have the highest cervical cancer mortality rate, followed by
Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Whites. Women in Texas-Mexico border
counties have a 31 percent higher cervical cancer mortality rate than
women in non-border counties.
But there are vaccines, such as Gardasil, that can stop these health
problems from happening! The HPV vaccine is recommended for young
women through age 26, and young men through age 21.
All kids, both sexes, who are 11 or 12 years old should get two shots of
HPV vaccine six to twelve months apart. Adolescents who receive their
two shots less than five months apart will require a third dose of HPV
vaccine. If you are older than 14 years, three shots over 6 months is
recommended.
Currently, it appears that the vaccines protect against HPV for at least
6 years. Studies suggest that the vaccines are effective at providing
long-lasting protection. Additional studies need to be done to see how
long vaccinated people remain immune and whether booster shots are
needed.
As of 2013, only 38 percent of U.S. girls and 14 percent of boys aged 13 to
17 had received the recommended three doses of the HPV
vaccine, according to a CDC survey. Even if you have already been infect-
ed with the type of HPV that causes genital warts, you can still protect
yourself against the types that can cause cancer since you may not be
infected with those types yet. If you get vaccinated now, it won’t protect
your partner, though. But your partner can be vaccinated too.
Like any vaccine or medicine, HPV vaccines can cause side effects. The
most common side effects are pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where
the shot was given; dizziness, fainting, nausea, and headache. During
June 2006–March 2014, after 67 million doses of the HPV vaccine, the
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) received a total of
25,176 adverse event reports after HPV vaccination in the United States.
Among these, 92.4% of the HPV4 reports were classified as nonserious.
Schedule appointments by calling
817-596-0637 or online at
www.thecentertx.com
Support services provided by:
To learn more about cancer care issues or to consult with a physician
about a cancer diagnosis, contact us at 817.596.0637.
Bachelorettes (and bachelors) talk with your physician on whether the
HPV vaccine is right for you.
Lastly, the impact of HPV goes beyond just women and cervical cancer.
HPV- associated Head and Neck cancer, particularly in young men in
their 40-50’s has become an epidemic!!!! 1 in 9 men have an oral HPV
infection. Unlike the Pap smear for cervical cancer, there is currently
not an early detection screening test for HPV-associated head and neck
cancers. However, researchers are investigating tools such as oral rinses
and fluorescent-based cameras to identify early lesions.
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