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Thousands of cancer cases could be avoided annually due to HPV vaccination, yet over a third of Americans remain uninformed about it.

Human knowledge about HPV's connection to cancer is lacking, according to a medical professional. The doctor delves into the crucial significance of HPV's life-saving attributes in this discussion.

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2 min read
HPV Vaccination Could Potentially Reduce Thousands of Cancer Instances Annually; More Than a Third...
HPV Vaccination Could Potentially Reduce Thousands of Cancer Instances Annually; More Than a Third of U.S. Citizens Remain Unaware

Thousands of cancer cases could be avoided annually due to HPV vaccination, yet over a third of Americans remain uninformed about it.

Public awareness about HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and the HPV vaccine in the United States remains low overall, particularly regarding the link between HPV and various cancers. This is especially true in the Midwest and Southern states, where nearly 62% of HPV-related cancers are diagnosed[1][3].

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is a virus that can infect humans and there are over 100 types of it. Most sexually active people become infected with HPV within a few years of becoming sexually active[5]. While many adults do not recognize the HPV vaccine or its cancer prevention potential, it is crucial to understand that HPV is linked to cancers such as cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers[1][3][5].

The 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. A two-dose series is recommended for most people 9 through 14, with the second shot given six to 12 months after the first. For those who begin vaccination at ages 15 through 45, a three-dose series is recommended, and for immunocompromised individuals[1].

Despite the CDC's recommendations, only about 61% of adolescents were fully vaccinated against HPV as of 2023[1]. This indicates room for improvement in vaccination rates. Stigma, misconceptions linking HPV to sexual promiscuity, and challenges in communicating about sexual health within families are among the factors contributing to lower-than-expected vaccination rates[4].

Rising cervical cancer rates in women aged 30-44 highlight the ongoing public health challenge, although reductions in younger women (20-24 years) suggest some benefit from vaccination programs[2]. Public figures occasionally questioning vaccine safety add to hesitancy, despite robust evidence demonstrating the HPV vaccine’s safety and effectiveness in preventing about 90% of cervical cancers when given at recommended ages[2][5].

It's essential to note that the HPV vaccines have very high efficacy for the prevention of cervical cancer in women and anal cancer in men who have sex with men, according to the CDC[1]. Furthermore, there is no evidence of increased unsafe sexual behavior in vaccinated girls[5].

To address the issue of low public awareness, there is a critical need to enhance HPV awareness among adolescents, young adults, parents or caregivers, and pediatric and adult health care professionals, as concluded by the authors of a recent report[1][5]. Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness expert, emergency physician, and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University, is one of the advocates for increased HPV awareness and the importance of the HPV vaccine[3].

References:

  1. CDC: HPV Vaccination
  2. National Cancer Institute: HPV and Cancer
  3. KFF: HPV Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents, 2023
  4. JAMA Internal Medicine: HPV Vaccination and Sexual Behaviour Among Adolescent Girls
  5. KFF: HPV Vaccine Awareness and Knowledge, 2021

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