Cancer Centers Urge More People to Get the HPV Vaccine

By Stacy Simon The American Cancer Society is supporting a call-to-action from dozens of National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Centers across the US urging action to increase vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV vaccines protect against high-risk types of the virus that cause most cervical cancers. The virus is also linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat. Despite this, vaccination rates across the US remain low. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 40% of girls and 21% of boys in the US have received all 3 doses of the vaccine. The CDC recommends that girls and boys receive 3 doses of HPV vaccine at ages 11 or 12 years. The vaccines work best if they are given before HPV infection occurs. The types of HPV that can cause cancer are sexually transmitted, and most girls and boys at this age are not yet sexually active. It’s also an age when they still will be seeing their doctor regularly and getting other vaccinations. The American Cancer Society’s Debbie Saslow, PhD, director of cancer control intervention, HPV & women’s cancers, says it’s time to increase HPV vaccination in the US. “We have a cancer prevention vaccine. HPV vaccines have been available for 10 years. They are safe and they work. Yet in this country only about half of girls and boys who are vaccinated with the other vaccines recommended for preteens are getting vaccinated to protect them from cancer...
Source: American Cancer Society :: News and Features - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Cervical Cancer Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Anal Cancer Vulvar Cancer Vaginal Cancer Source Type: news