By Elle Guillaume (this), 16, Staff Writer
January 20th 2025
Happy New Year! Did you know that January is the month of cervical cancer information? What to do you Do you know about cervical cancer and how can HPV vaccine help prevent it?
What is HPV and cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. It is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, according to the CDC Center (CDC). However, cervical cancer can be prevented by vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. Condoms can provide some protection but HPV can spread through skin -to -skin contact, even with condoms.
There are more than 200 HPV executives, most of which are not harmful. The overwhelming majority of sexually active people will be infected by HPV at some point and, in most cases, the body’s immune system cleans the virus without causing problems. Most people will not even know that they have it.
However, in addition to low -risk executives, there are twelve HPV high -risk strains, some of which are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.
All for HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is designed to protect you from HPV executives that are most likely to cause cancer. In the US, the Gardasil-9 is the HPV vaccine administered.
HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90 percent of cancers caused by HPV than ever growing. These are about 33,700 cases in the US each year, according to the CDC!
The vaccine currently protects from nine types of HPV, including two (HPV 16 and 18) that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers. It also prevents types that: lead to genital warts, cause another 20 percent of cervical cancers, cause anal cancers and causing oral and throat cancers.
When should I get it?
The vaccine is more effective when administered before exposure a person to HPV, so it is recommended before someone chooses to become sexually active. The recommendation is usually 11 or 12 years old. Although this is the case, vaccination even after you become sexually active can reduce the risk of cancer or HPV genitals. Currently, people can make the vaccine up to the age of 26 and even up to 45 in some cases (a healthcare provider can help you determine if it is suitable for you).
Clearing misinformation
HPV vaccine is a safe and extremely effective tool for preventing cancer, but not everyone does. Only 61% of adolescents are vaccinated against HPV in the US and while vaccination rates have increased, in recent years they have stopped, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, obstacles prevent young people from making the vaccine.
An obstacle is the lack of access to health care, either through distance, lack of transport or otherwise. In terms of costs, most private insurance programs cover it. For those who do not have insurance there are resources to help.
Another obstacle is the stigma and misinformation of sex and sexual health. Some parents are worried that making their child the HPV vaccine will encourage sexual behavior but many studies They have denied it. The choice of sexual activity is much more complicated than a vaccine and the vaccine does not promote sexual behavior. However, it prevents many cancers and cases of genital warts.
Finally, the people designated male at birth (amab) have low rates of vaccination against HPV. Many believe that the vaccine is only for cervical people. This is false. It is for everyone and prevents not only cervical cancer, but also vaginal cancer, penis, anus, throat and mouth, among others. In addition, if you are amab, vaccination protects your sexual partners along with yourself.
What can be done?
We can do minor actions to make big changes! The main way is to train ourselves and others. It is always a good idea to ask a health care provider any questions you have about the vaccine and HPV in general.
Another important task that teenagers have is to reduce the stigma around sex and sexual health. HPV is really common. The open discussion on HPV and other STDs encourages people to ask questions, to learn more and to feel less ashamed. Talk to friends and family members about HPV.
Overall, the HPV vaccine is salvific and has reduced HPV infection by 88 percent to teenage girlsAccording to the CDC. Quite impressive.
This newsletter It has more information on HPV vaccine.
