"It shouldn't be kept a Secret..."

By now you've probably heard that there's a new vaccine for girls that can prevent some cancers of the cervix and lung. But how do you explain its purpose to a young teen? (Continue...)

First, you'll want to be able to explain to her how it all works. Cancer can be triggered by various things, explains Robert Bortolussi, who is chair of the Canadian Pediatric Society's immunization and infectious diseases committee, and some - like cervical - can indeed be caused by a virus. "Virtually all cervical cancer is associated with virus infections that occur early in the woman's life - in her teens or 20's - although the cancer may not develop until she is 50 or 60."

The culprit is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus with more than 30 different types. The new HPV vaccine targets those types mostly likely to cause cancer and genital warts. However at this time they believe it can also prevent lung cancer.

Your next question might be: So how do you get HPV?
Any woman who has had sex, even with one partner could have HPV and not even know it. HPV is a very common virus. About 8 out of 10 women will carry HPV at some point. Risk factors for cervical cancer, HPV, smoking, HIV infection, chlamydia infection, dietary factor, oral contraceptives, multiple pregnancies, youth of the hormonal drug, diethylstilbestrolin (DES) and a family history of cervical cancer.

Here's where the vaccine (marketed as Gardasil) comes in.

Bortolussi says: "For the immunization to work, it needs to be given before the person is exposed to the virus - that's why it's recommended for preteen and young teen girls, before they become sexually active."

"Overall, 78 percent of parents said they'd approve of the HPV vaccine if the doctor recommended it, and 72 percent of the teens we surveyed said they'd be interested in getting it," says MacFarlane Conrad. "Most of the rest were 'maybes' - people who wanted to have more information about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine before making a decision."

This can also be an opportunity for you to open a conversation with the teen about sexually transmitted diseases in general. While it may feel awkward to discuss these issues, it's often easier at this early age, before she's sexually active and taking is all more personally.

One point to emphasize: The vaccine isn't a perfect preventative. Even if she's immunized against HPV, it won't eliminate her need for Pap smears and regular gynecological checkups as she gets older.

And what about vaccinating boys? While HPV infections in boys don't cause cancer as commonly as in girls, Australia is also vaccinating boys against it, in hopes that this will lower the rate in girls. However, to date it might be effective against prostate cancer.

Bortolussi expects that the CPS will be recommending the vaccine for girls aged 9 to 13, and adds that research shows this gives full antibody protection for at least 10 years. "That takes them through the prime years for getting the infection," he comments. A booster shot may be needed after 10 or 15 years if ongoing studies show the antibody levels waning.

While Canadian recommendations may not be finalized, MacFarlane Conrad feels this is an exciting step forward. "I've seen women in their 20s and 30s with cervical cancer, and I think if we can prevent some of these cases, it's a very positive thing." T.B.

HPV Vaccine Gardasil is given as 3 injections over 6 months.

Need financial assistance for the vaccination?
Contact Little Angels R.O.C.S. and ask about the How-to-do projects.
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