July 15, 2008
What would you do to protect yourself or your loved ones from a deadly disease?
By Lori Pruitt, Infection Control Nurse, and Robert Filipczak, Immunizations Coordinator
The American Cancer Society estimates that there are more than 11,000 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed each year and, of those, more than 3,700 women will die from the disease.
This is the second leading cause of cancer death among women around the world. Most cases are found in women younger than 50. It rarely develops in women younger than 20.
The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of more than 40 related viruses that can cause a type of growth called a papilloma. Papillomas are not cancerous, and are more commonly called warts. Certain types of HPV are "high-risk" because they are often the cause of cervical cancer.
Help to prevent HPV
Now there is a way to help prevent HPV. There is an HPV vaccine that has been approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This vaccine is called Gardasil®. Gardasil® protects against the four types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer, especially if given before someone is exposed to HPV.
The vaccination is offered in a three-shot series over six months. After the first dose, a second is provided at two months and a final dose after another four months. This is a great way to protect our young women from developing cervical cancer!
YKHC provides the HPV vaccine to all women ages 9 to 18 free of charge through the state-sponsored Vaccine for Children program. For women ages 19 to 26, the vaccine is available at a nominal charge.
Completing the HPV vaccine series is one of the safest and easiest ways to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. You can make a difference as we strive together to become healthy people.
Contact your health care provider today to schedule an appointment for vaccination.
