HPV Vaccine: A game changer in preventing cervical and other cancers?

Doctors want you to know that there is a vaccine that will protect children from certain cancers that they may become exposed to as adults. But it is important to start prevention early.

“I highly recommend vaccination against HPV, the Human Papillomavirus, the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S.,” said Priyal Dholakiya, M.D., gynecologic oncologist, MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center and Saddleback Medical Center.

It might be difficult for parents to think of 9- to 12-year-olds as needing protection against infections spread by sexual activity. However, vaccinating at this age gives children the strongest level of long-term protection.

“Children between ages 9 and 12 have typically not had any exposure to HPV and will therefore get to develop immunity before they are ever exposed to the virus,” said Dr. Dholakiya.

There are many different types of HPV and most adults have already been exposed to some form of the virus.

“It is important to distinguish between HPV infection and HPV-related diseases,” said Dr. Dholakiya. “Just having HPV does not mean that a person will develop HPV-related disease.”

“Most people clear HPV from their bodies within one to two years of contracting it; this happens naturally with their body’s own immune system,” said Dr. Dholakiya. “In people who are unable to clear the virus, it can lead to HPV-related disease such as warts, as well as cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, head and neck.”

Of these, cervical cancer is the most frequent, with a high mortality rate throughout the world.

“Most of the time, people with HPV do not know that they have it, because they don’t develop symptoms or health issues from it,” said Dr. Dholakiya. “Some people find out because they develop genital warts. Women may learn of an HPV infection when they have an abnormal pap test or screening result,” said Dr. Dohlakiya. “Some people learn of their HPV after developing a precancer or a cancer. It generally takes years for an infected person to develop an HPV-related cancer.”

“There is no treatment for the infection itself,” said Dr. Dholakiya. “Treatment for cancers caused by HPV varies. It depends on numerous factors, including the type of cancer, where it is located or has spread to, as well as the general health of the person. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these would be prescribed.”

The current HPV vaccine, available since December 2014, offers protection against nine strains of the virus, those that are most likely to cause serious infections, up to and including cancer. The original vaccine was introduced in 2006 and targeted four of the most dangerous strains of the virus.

Both versions of the HPV vaccine have provided proof of very effective and long-lasting immunity, and the levels of serious HPV infections have been declining over the years.

“The HPV vaccine is a safe and very effective way to prevent women and men from developing several types of preventable cancers,” said Dr. Dholakiya. “It protects our children and their future significant others. I implore parents to vaccinate their children and safeguard their futures by providing them with this important immunity.“