Why Vaccinate Against HPV?

Posted by Lewisville / Flower Mound Oncology on September 22nd, 2016

If a simple shot could prevent cancer, most people would bend over backwards to make sure they had it administered. While they might seem like that should be the case, it’s not necessarily so.  Not everyone is flocking to make sure their children and young adults receive the vaccination to protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are some compelling reasons why the medical community is pushing for more widespread use of the vaccine.

There are more than 150 viruses that are classified as types of HPV. Some HPV types are strongly linked to cancers, such as cervical and oral. In the case of cervical, for example, HPV is almost always the root cause of the disease. The vaccination is effective in helping prevent the form of HPV that promotes the growth of this type of cancer. While cervical cancer incidence rates have declined by about 50 percent in the past three decades, more than 12,000 American women are diagnosed with the disease annually. About 4,000 die from this cause. The HPV vaccine is seen as a way to keep the decline in diagnosis rates going strong.

HPV vaccinations are very simple to obtain. They’re recommended for children starting around the age of 11. While it is preferred that vaccinations start before a person reaches the age of sexual maturity, the shots can still be given to young adults. Typically, the three-shot series is given to both girls and boys. While most people understand HPV is linked to cervical cancer, types of the virus can also cause certain forms of cancer in boys, as well. Most pediatricians and general practitioners recommend vaccinating against HPV and offer the vaccines in their offices. Parents will typically find this shot series is recommended during their children’s annual health exams when they reach the age of 11 or 12. Insurance companies now typically cover the cost.

A simple vaccine can help protect against a variety of cancers that are connected to the HPV virus. While not a 100 percent guarantee that cancers won’t form down the road, the shot does increase the odds in a person’s favor dramatically. People are concerned about cervical and other HPV-related forms of cancer are urged to speak with their healthcare providers about their risks. Parents of younger children are also urged to consider getting their kids vaccinated against HPV. As more families make this choice, medical professionals are hopeful the diagnosis rate of certain forms of cancer will continue to decline.

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Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group, a division of Choice Cancer Care – is an independently owned and operated oncology practice that is completely focused on unique, comprehensive patient care.