Vaccinations for the Prevention of Cancer

Dr. Christine Weyman, Medical Director-Adair Health Department

Did you know some infections could cause cancer?  Immunization against these infections, with a vaccine, prevents the occurrence of the cancer.  One such immunization is used against hepatitis B, which can lead to liver cancer.  We have been using this immunization for 20 years.  But now we have a new vaccine, one that prevents cervical cancer! 

Every year 10,000 women, in the U.S., develop cervical cancer; and about 3,700 women will die from this. In 2003 Kentucky had the 12th highest cervical cancer incidence in the U.S.

A common sexually transmitted virus known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which also causes genital warts in both females and males, causes 99% of cervical cancers. There are 100 different strains of HPV, but only a minority is associated with cervical cancer.  HPV infection is usually acquired soon after sexual activity begins, with the peak incidence occurring in girls 15 to 24 years old; while cervical cancer diagnosis peaks between the ages of 35 to 44.

The new vaccine, Gardasil, is currently licensed for only females (age 9 thru 26). It is highly effective against four types of HPV viruses, which cause 80% of all cervical cancers. The advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently voted to recommend the HPV vaccine be routinely given to all girls 11-12 years old.  It is a three-dose vaccine series given at time zero, two months later and four months after the second dose.

The federal Vaccine for Children Program (VFC) will provide free vaccine to children and adolescents who meet the eligibility criteria. The vaccine should be available in the new year (2007).  Call your private health care provider or the local health department for more information.