HPV Vaccinations Prevent Cancer Later In Life

Vaccinating children against the human papillomavirus (HPV) can prevent cancer in later life.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Estimates show more than 14 million new infections arise each year in both genders ages 15-24. But we have a way to prevent it and prevent cancer.

Vaccinations can stop some of the health effects caused by HPV, including several cancer varieties.

Courtney Backer, MD, Avera Medical Group pediatrician, said the virus is transmitted from skin-to-skin contact and from sexual interaction.

The HPV vaccine:

• Should be given to both boys and girls around ages 9–11.
• Develops the defenses children need to avoid genital warts, which can be a lifelong condition.
• Prevents cancers of the cervix, vagina, penis, head and neck.

Backer said she hears both sides of the discussion from parents. Some worry the HPV vaccine will cause earlier or increased sexual activity. Others realize the real risks that would accompany not vaccinating.

Studies show that when children receive the vaccine in the recommended age range, it can reduce the risk of these cancers up to 75%. It also reduces the risk of genital warts by as much as 90%.

How It Works

Like any of the other vaccines your child receives, the HPV vaccine has a couple of age guidelines.

Younger than 15:

• The child will receive two a two-dose series in the arm, spaced six months part.

Older than 15:

• A three-dose series is required.

By the time a person reaches age 26, the vaccine’s preventive effectiveness diminishes almost completely, Backer said.

“The biggest worry or stigma some parents have is that HPV vaccination leads to earlier sexual activity, but scientific research has shown that is not true,” said Backer. “The fact is this vaccine can prevent cancer over the course of a lifetime.”

And when parents consider that, sometimes they reconsider their reluctance.

Preventing Cancer is "No Brainer"

Backer said that no one wants to face the life-changing reality of a cancer diagnosis. That’s why she calls getting this vaccination a “no-brainer.”

Perhaps the most worrisome part of HPV is that many people who have it show no symptoms and pass it onto others unintentionally.

“Parents and children who have good, open communication about sexual behavior can work through the frank discussions that are a healthy part of kids growing up,” she said. “As pediatricians, we are here to help moms and dads who need that guidance on this important topic.”

Kids are naturally curious about why they’re getting a shot. “To prevent cancer,” can be enough to say to them at age 11. The rest of the reality of this protective step can be explained when mom and dad feel the time is right.

“Part of the reason for early administration of the vaccine is that DNA replication in our bodies is a long process,” Backer said. “But it works, in a majority of cases, to stop genital warts, potential infertility issues, and cancer.”

Schedule an appointment with your child’s provider to stay up to date on vaccinations or learn more about the benefits.