Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Most cases of cervical cancer in the world are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).. Recently the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved Gardasil, a vaccine against the HPV. CDC's National Immunization Program (NIP) and the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have recommended the HPV vaccine to be given to girls from 9 to 26 years old.

What is HPV ? HPV is a family of more than 100 types of viruses which may be transmitted sexually. At any time 20 million to 40 million Americans may be infected with HPV, and the incidence is increasing. Many cases of the infection may not show any symptoms and many may resolve spontaneously. However, some types of HPV may cause genital and anal warts and other types may cause cervical, anal or rectal cancer. The transition to cervical cancer may take 5-10 years. The condom is limited in preventing infection because it does not prevent all skin- to- skin contact during sex.

Who should receive the vaccine? Girls from 9 to 26 years old are recommended to receive the vaccine. The vaccine is most effective if it is given prior to infection by the virus. It does not protect against all types of HPV so routine Pap smears are still necessary (sorry ladies). The vaccine is given in 3 doses over a 6 month period (0, 2 and 6 months) and will cost about $360.00 total.

Is the vaccine safe? According to the FDA, "The safety of the vaccine was evaluated in approximately 11,000 individuals. Most adverse experiences in study participants who received Gardasil included mild or moderate local reactions, such as pain or tenderness at the site of injection." The vaccine can not infect you with the virus since it is a recombinant vaccine and not a live one.

How long will the vaccine last? It is unknown since this is a new vaccine but so far it has been effective up to 5 years. More data will emerge with time.

Is there a test for HPV? A test may be done during a Pap (Papinocalou) smear to detect the presence of HPV. This is recommended to be done in women 30 years or older if done for screening purposes because the prevalence of HPV is very high in younger women and often it may clear spontaneously.

Can the vaccine be given to men for protection against anal and genital warts and cancer? This is currently under investigation.

References: Center for Disease Control. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Huyen Cao, Director of International Cellular Immunology, California Department of Health Services.
Photo: courtesy of wart resources.

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