Essential insights about the HPV vaccine that combat cancer
In the United States, studies reveal that public awareness and understanding of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to various cancers, including cervical, oral, anal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, are alarmingly low [1][2][3][4][5].
According to recent data, around one-third of U.S. adults (34.3%) have never heard of HPV, and an even larger percentage (around 37.6%) are unaware of the HPV vaccine [3][5]. Over 70% of adults do not know that HPV can cause oral cancers [1][3]. This lack of awareness is especially pronounced in Midwestern and Southern states, which account for nearly 62% of the approximately 48,000 new annual HPV-associated cancer cases in the U.S. [1][2][4].
The HPV vaccine does not encourage particular behavior, but gives protection in case someone becomes exposed to the virus someday [2]. The CDC states that the HPV vaccines have very high efficacy for the prevention of cervical cancer in women, and also in men who have sex with men in preventing anal cancer [2].
Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-linked cancer in the US, with about 13,000 new cases and 4,000 deaths annually [1]. Despite robust evidence demonstrating that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective in preventing HPV-related cancers, public knowledge of this is limited [3].
Most HPV infections are cleared by the body and do not result in cancer, but some high-risk infections can persist and lead to the development of precancerous and then cancerous cells over many years [6]. HPV testing is preferred over Pap for cervical cancer screening starting at age 30 [6].
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that preteens receive the first dose of the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12, though it can be given as early as age 9 [7]. For most people 9 through 14, a two-dose series is recommended, with the second shot given six to 12 months after the first [7].
A large study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found no evidence of increased unsafe sexual behavior in vaccinated girls compared to unvaccinated peers [8]. The CDC also emphasizes the critical need to enhance HPV awareness among adolescents, young adults, parents or caregivers, and pediatric and adult health care professionals [9].
Talking about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) status and testing can be more comfortable if you use a kind yet assertive approach, experts say [10]. It's essential to stay informed and prioritize regular screenings to reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers.
References:
- CDC: HPV and Cancer
- CDC: HPV Vaccination
- KFF: HPV Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents in the U.S., 2019
- AACR: HPV Vaccination Rates in the United States
- NCCC: HPV Awareness
- ACOG: HPV Testing and Cervical Cancer Screening
- CDC: HPV Vaccine Schedule
- JAMA Internal Medicine: HPV Vaccination and Sexual Behavior Among Adolescent Girls in Rural Washington State
- CDC: HPV Vaccination Recommendations
- PLoS Medicine: Talking About Sexual Health: A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Interventions to Promote Safer Sexual Behaviors
