If you could prevent cancer by giving your child a vaccine would you do it? The answer seems quite simple to health providers, but many parents are not informed about HPV and the relationship to cancer prevention.
Basic information:
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of very common viruses in which about 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV every year. This means nearly 80 million people are currently infected in the United States. It is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Often a person has no signs or symptoms so it can be hard to know whether a person is infected or when they were first infected. Most HPV viruses do not cause any health problems and go away on their own; however if it does not go away it can cause problems such as genital warts and cancer. It is estimated that HPV causes nearly 35,000 cases of cancer in women and men each year. HPV cancers include cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.
HPV vaccines have been available and recommended since 2006 for girls and since 2011 for boys. The recommendation is for the vaccination of both girls and boys at the age of 11 or 12 with two doses of the vaccine (meaning two shots six to twelve months apart). Children can receive the 2-dose schedule between the ages 9 through 14; however any person who initiates the vaccination after age 15 will need to get three doses. It is important to note that the purpose of the vaccination in young teens is to build antibodies against HPV prior to becoming sexually active. HPV is so common a person can contract HPV with the first person they are intimate with or the hundredth person they are intimate with. The concept is to prevent cancer in the future.
Ask your doctor about HPV at your child’s next appointment.
Projects…
Physician Projects
The Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health has worked with physicians in both Atlantic and Cape May County in regards to increasing HPV vaccinations among 11-12 year olds. We are looking to continue physician relationships in order to promote HPV vaccinations among youth and prevent future cancer cases. As we move into the future the coalition plans to continue working with physicians and pediatric practices to provide a variety of activities to educate both professionals and parents on HPV. Some ideas include: workshops and activities; webinar; take home flyers and handouts; guest speakers; policy changes; etc. If you are interested in the Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health working with your practice please feel free to contact us at any time.
Educational Workshops
In addition to working with physician practices to reach the community on HPV and cancer prevention we also want to reach out to parents in both counties. This next year we plan to provide at least two educational workshops in each county (Atlantic and Cape May County) on HPV. If you would like us to come to your organization please reach out to schedule a date and time. Currently, due to COVID-19 presentations cannot be performed, but we are scheduling for future dates. In the meantime we are also working on putting together presentations that can be completed virtually. More to come on virtual workshops. Check back for dates and times in the events calendar.
Social Media
HPV, HPV vaccinations, and how HPV relates to cancer is often confusing for parents. Although the vaccinations have been around for more than ten years, it may be a topic that many people are familiar. So… we need more information. This website regularly features “news” articles specific to HPV, HPV vaccinations, and HPV related cancer. Often we publish information in September for Gynecological Cancer Awareness month and again in January for Cervical Cancer Awareness month.
In addition we want to make good information available all the time. Therefore you will find video links below that will take you to some great educational information regarding HPV topics. The longest one is about five minutes so they are all short with good information. Also be sure to check out information on our “Resource” page, specifically HPV.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Statistics/ Did you Know?
What is HPV and How Can You Protect Yourself from It? – Emma Bryce
HPV Papillomavirus (HPV) – CDC Video Series
Dr. Alix Casler Describes How She Recommends HPV Vaccine
Dr. Wolynn Discusses How His Office Routinely Recommends HPV Vaccine
Dr. Savory Discusses How Her Office Routinely Recommends HPV Vaccine
Dr. Humiston Discusses How Her Office Routinely Recommends HPV Vaccine
References:
About HPV. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
HPV and Cancer. National Cancer Institute.
Lessons Worth Sharing. Ted-ED on YouTube.
Stories of Vaccine Preventable Diseases. ShotByShot.
Update: 6/9/20