How You Can Vaccinate Against Cancer

You can vaccinate against cancer: Prevent six types of cancer with one vaccine.

• Approximately 80 million Americans – about one in four – are currently infected with human papilloma virus (HPV). Nearly all sexually active adults will contract HPV at some point in their lives.
• Of the total number of new cervical cancers cases in the U.S. every year, 91 percent – or 10,800 new cases – are caused by HPV. Vaccination could have prevented the majority of cases.
• The HPV vaccine can prevent six kinds of cancer caused by HPV.

Annual Cancer Cases Caused by HPV

• Oral – 12,900 cases
• Cervical – 10,800 cases
• Anal – 5,900 cases
• Vulvar – 2,700 cases
• Penile – 800 cases

You may have questions. We have answers.

What about Pap tests – don’t they detect cancer?

Pap tests are highly effective in finding cancer, but a significant number of women do not get them on time, or ever. Plus, Pap tests only screen for cervical cancer; there are no screenings for the other cancers that the HPV vaccine prevents.

Is the vaccine safe?

Since the vaccine was licensed in 2006, more than 100 million doses have been given in the U.S. the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found no link between the HPV vaccine and serious complications such as death or fertility failure. The faccine has gone through extensive tests in a number of large clinical trials with more than 28,000 men and women.

At least six major studies worldwide have confirmed that the HPV vaccine does not cause:

• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
• Autoimmune diseases including neurological, rheumatological, hematological, endocrine and gastrointestinal disorders

My child is too young to have sex. Is it necessary for them to get the vaccine now?

The HPV vaccine is given in two or three doses depending on your child’s age. The vaccine is much more effective at preventing disease and cancer if the series is completed long before your child’s first sexual contact. Intercourse is not the only way HPV is spread. It can be easily transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.

Does getting the vaccine encourage my child to become sexually active?

No. Several studies have shown that kids who get the HPV vaccine are not more likely to have intercourse.

When should my child get the vaccination?

The vaccination is most effective when given age 11 or 12, at the same time as other teen vaccines. Cancer protection decreases as a child’s age at vaccination increases.

Vaccines needed at age 11–12 include: Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough), HPV, and meningococcal (meningitis).

Why do boys need to get the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccination can help prevent future infections that can lead to cancers of the penis, anus, and back of the throat in men. The vaccine will also keep him from infecting others with HPV.

Talk to your doctor about scheduling your vaccination series appointments today.