In the United States, approximately 13,170 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year alone, leading to around 4,250 deaths, according to Cancer.net. The five-year survival rate for cervical cancer sits at 66%, but various factors influence this statistic, including ethnicity, age, and how early the cancer is detected. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones from the University of Utah notes that 1 in 125 women will face a cervical cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. Thankfully, with regular pap smears and the HPV vaccine, this cancer is largely preventable.
Yet, there’s another critical step that can help safeguard your teens. The HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of cervical cancer to nearly zero, offering protection against 80-90% of the human papillomavirus (HPV) strains responsible for various cancers. HPV, a group of over 200 viruses, includes about 40 strains transmitted through sexual contact, with several capable of causing cancers like cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Notably, two strains can also lead to genital warts.
It’s essential to vaccinate your children with the Gardasil 9 vaccine, the only HPV vaccine available in the U.S. Research indicates that the vaccine is highly effective. A 2019 meta-analysis reviewed HPV vaccination programs in 14 countries involving over 60 million vaccinated individuals, revealing significant drops in HPV infections, with HPV strains 16 and 18 decreasing by 83% and 66% among young women aged 20-24. Importantly, precancerous lesions linked to cervical cancer fell by 51% in girls aged 15-19.
What’s the Ideal Age for the HPV Vaccine?
The Mayo Clinic recommends vaccinating children around ages 11 or 12, although it can start as early as nine. The vaccine should ideally be administered before they become sexually active. Contrary to some concerns, studies show no connection between receiving the HPV vaccine and an earlier onset of sexual activity. It’s crucial to note that once someone is infected with HPV, the vaccine won’t provide protection against those existing strains.
Yes, your son should also receive the vaccine. This is part of achieving “herd immunity.” If boys are vaccinated, they’re less likely to transmit the cancer-causing strains to their partners, contributing to community protection. Think of it as another layer of safe sex—alongside using protection and regular testing, getting the HPV vaccine is vital. Plus, it offers additional protection against genital warts and possibly other cancers, including those affecting the mouth and throat.
Open Discussions About Sexual Health
Open discussions about sexual health can be daunting for parents, but this is an opportunity. According to the CDC, nearly 49% of American adolescents have completed the recommended doses of the HPV vaccine. As the CDC director emphasizes, “This vaccine is the best way to shield our youth from cancers related to HPV infection… Vaccination is key to cervical cancer elimination.” However, that still leaves 51% of American teens unvaccinated. Only 13% of vaccinated youth receive all three doses by age 13, the time when some begin to explore their sexuality. Moreover, younger kids (ages 11-12) tend to have a better immune response to the vaccine than older teens.
What About Adults?
The CDC states that 80% of people will contract some form of HPV during their lifetime. So, there’s no shame in having it; it’s incredibly common. If you’re under 26, you should get three doses of the HPV vaccine. If you’re over 26 and missed out on vaccination as a child, consult your doctor. While the benefits may be lower for those already exposed, any new sexual partners can bring the risk of new HPV strains, making vaccination a wise choice for those entering new relationships.
For further insights on related topics, consider checking out this blog post, and for authoritative information on HPV, visit Intracervical Insemination. If you’re seeking resources on pregnancy and home insemination, women’s health has excellent information.
In summary, the HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. It’s recommended for both boys and girls, ideally before they become sexually active. This vaccine not only protects individuals but also contributes to community health by reducing the overall prevalence of HPV.