HPV

Health Nurse Lisa Letsinger stated, “When that vaccine first came out it was just not branded very well. Parents got confused that if they allowed their children to get the vaccine they were condoning promiscuous behavior.”

Letsinger emphasized, “The way we approach it is that this is the only vaccine that will prevent cancer.”

Unfortunately some sexual exposures to the virus are not consensual including rape, child molestation and incest. The HPV vaccine can offer individuals protection from further injury by infection from the disease.

In the unfortunate situations where partners are unfaithful; the vaccine offers protection from infection, disease and possibly cancer.

Parents also cannot know who their child’s spouse or partner might be in the future; if that partner has been vaccinated themselves; or if that partner may have already been exposed to the virus at some point before forming a relationship with their son or daughter.

Children under the age of 18 require parental consent for vaccines. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an estimated 55% of male and female teenagers have already had sexual intercourse by the age of 18.

Letsinger emphasized that the vaccine is about medical protection against a cancer causing virus.

It is recommended that women screen for precancerous and cancerous cellular changes through Papanicolaou (Pap) tests; annually for most; every three years for others. In addition to the Pap smear, women are now tested for high risk HPV at the age of 35. Currently there is no diagnostic test to detect high risk HPV in males.

There has also been an increase in oropharyngeal cancers and anal cancers for both men and women with a link to long term high risk HPV infection.

Apart from the cervical cellular screenings; diagnostic testing is not available for early detection of most of the other HPV related cancers.

Detection is dependent upon visual or physical examinations by the patient, medical professional or dentist. It is important to continue to maintain annual visits with your healthcare providers to check for early warning signs of cancer. Prevention and early detection are key.

The best way to protect yourself from exposure to HPV, and potential long term infection which can lead to cancer is to get vaccinated. The best protection from HPV is to be vaccinated before exposure to the infection.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about possible exposure to HPV and what options are available to you for screening and treatment.

Call the MCHD at 574-935-8565 for more information on how to get your son, your daughter, or yourself vaccinated against HPV.

MCHD is located in the Community Resource Center at 510 W. Adams St. Plymouth.