Cervical Cancer, some anal, throat and penile cancers are sexually transmitted!
99% of cervical cancer is caused by the high-risk strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), most commonly types 16 and 18 which are preventable. HPV is spread by sexual intercourse. Most of us have been exposed to it at some point, and have no ill effects but in some people, the virus stays with them and can cause cancer. HPV can also cause other cancers listed above… Most famously Michael Douglas blamed his throat cancer on too much oral sex!
For this reason, many countries including the USA, UK and Australia have national vaccination programs to vaccinate teenagers before they are likely to become sexually active.
In fact, HPV infection and cervical cancer risk is so well correlated that it has changed the way screening for cervical cancer is done in many countries: Instead of looking for abnormal cells on a Pap smear, women are now tested for HPV instead.
Rates of precancerous lesions in younger women have dropped since the introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. Rates of cervical Cancer have also already dropped significantly where the vaccine is used.
The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is available in Trinidad and Tobago and also protects against the strains of HPV which do not cause cancer but can cause genital warts.
Gardasil is given in 2 doses from age 12. The second dose is given 6-12 months after the first dose. If a teenager is over 15 when he or she has the first dose, then three doses are needed at 0, 1–2 and 6 months. Vaccination up to age 26 is likely to be helpful and is also even recommended in some groups of people up to the age of 45. It is most effective if given before a person becomes sexually active but in some situations, vaccination may still be helpful if a person has already started having sex.
Like any injection, it can cause a sore arm, and all drugs can cause allergic reactions. However most people will be fine with the vaccine. They may feel a little tired the next day because the immune system is doing what it is supposed to and building an army to protect us from infection.
Have you thought about discussing HPV vaccination with your adolescent? Cancer prevention could be the greatest gift you give to them.
