HPV Vaccine

New HPV Vaccine Protects Women From Cancer


Since 1936 when Dr Papanicola devised the first Pap smear
gynecologists have depended on this test to identify women who have
precancerous changes on their cervix. While this test has been part
of a very effective system to reduce deaths from cancer of the
cervix, 3700 American women die each year from this disease. Nearly
10,000 new cases of cancer of the cervix are identified every year
and these women are subjected to an assortment of dangerous,
expensive and painful treatments. Even in cases where the Pap test
works to prevent cancer women must endure anxiety, expense and
discomfort associated with diagnosis and treatment of an abnormal
Pap. With FDA approval of an HPV vaccine, virtually all cases of
abnormal Pap and cervical cancer can be prevented.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections of the uterine cervix (opening
of the womb) have been proven to be the cause of nearly 100% of cases
of cervical cancer. HPV is also the cause of genital warts. The
Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recently recommended that all
women ages 11-26 should receive the 3 dose vaccine. Public heath
officials are strongly encouraging parents to have their daughters
receive the vaccine by age twelve since it is much more effective at
preventing cervical cancer and genital warts if it is started before
the onset of sexual activity. Since the vaccine has been proven to
significantly reduce the risk of abnormal pap smears, genital warts and
cervical cancer in women up to age 26 it is recommended up to that
age. There are special circumstances where doctors may recommend
these shots for younger or older women. More details of the CDC
recommendations are posted at www.cdc.gov. Gardasil (tm) is the
brand name of the HPV vaccine manufactured by Merck and further
information about this product may be viewed at www.gardasil.com. The
vaccine has been shown to be very safe with a lower rate of
undesirable side effects than most of the vaccines that are currently
in use for the prevention of much less deadly diseases. The cost of
each dose of the vaccine is currently $120. While many public health
agencies and insurance companies have not yet extended coverage to
include the HPV vaccine it is felt that it is just a matter of time
before this "breakthrough" vaccine will become widely available and
encouraged. Because of the safety and effectiveness of this historic
cancer preventing vaccine it should become one of the routine "shots"
for all women.
-- Douglas J. Henke, M.D.