Thinking Space

    Each year, 11,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and each year 4,000 women die from it.

       Human papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, is the most common Sexually transmitted disease. Yet, only 40% of women have heard about it, and 20% of that know that HPV can lead to cervical cancer, despite the numerous commercials, and magazine and internet ads. There are more than 100 stands of the virus, 15 of which are cancer causing. In most cases HPV shows no symptoms, and clears up on it’s own, but in others it can cause genital warts, in both men and women, as well as cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, labia, penis, and anus.  HPV is the cause for all genital warts, and 99% of all cervical cancer cases. 8/10 people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime. This means that out of the 38 people in this room, 31 of you will get HPV in their lifetime.

      Cervical cancer starts out as abnormal calls on the cervix, and can turn into cancerous tumors that can spread. HPV has a characteristic that can make cervical cancer tests come back falsely negative, and it is suggested for women to ask for cervical exams, to check for abnormal cells. This is because in many cases the cancer is found too late, and has already spread. In most cases, this leads to hysterectomy, the removal of the ovaries, uterus, or cervix. As I was reading cervical cancer survivor stories, I noticed that almost all of them started with, “ I didn’t think this could happen to me.” The thought of them being diagnosed with cervical cancer made them feel dirty and alone, because they weren’t aware of the prevalence of it.

      Although men don’t have a cervix, they are still susceptible to contracting HPV. Men still have to worry about genital warts and cancer. In fact, men have to be more aware of any  visable symptoms,  because there is no way to test a man for HPV.

      The danger that this causes, is that a man could have a cancer causing strand of HPV, and unknowing, pass it on to many females.

       Because  of this, many survivors of HPV and cervical cancer are trying to spread awareness around the world. Some facts that everyday people might not know about HPV, are that condoms cannot fully protect people against the virus, because it is caused by skin to skin contact, and condoms don’t cover everything. Also, everyday, 30 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and many women that are diagnosed with cervical cancer, were most likely exposed to it in their late teens, and early twenties. This is why many of the survivors are trying to convince girls to get the vaccine at such a young age.

         Recently, there have been ads everywhere trying to convince girls to get vaccinated.

         The vaccine protects against the four major types of HPV that cause more than 70% of cervical cancer.  This vaccine, Gardasil, is recommended for girls as young as nine years old.  There is also a vaccine recommended for women ages 13-26.  Because the vaccine is relatively new, many people are hesitant to get it because any long term effects are unknown, as well as any dangerous short term effects.  But the side effects of Gardasil are practically identical to those vaccines required to attend public schools, like the chicken pox shot, and some of these other vaccines have even more drastic effects than Gardisil.

           Among those that are aware of HPV, controversies over the vaccine have been deliberated.  Those who oppose the HPV vaccine are divided into two groups: those who oppose it for medical reasons, and those who oppose it for moral reasons. 

          As of August 2009, there have been 32 unconfirmed deaths due to the vaccine, and research shows that it causes a higher incidence of blood clots than other vaccines. Some doctors say it is best to go ahead and vaccinate children as early as possible, but other doctors and scientists say its best to wait, as there was a rush to manufacture the vaccine, and we have yet to learn about potential harmful side effects. That concludes the medical opposition.

      People doubt the effectiveness of this vaccine, since it doesn’t guard against all strains of HPV. Some states are requiring female students to get the vaccine before entering middle school, which is causing controversy as parents don’t like the idea of their 6th graders being vaccinated against STDs, and most insurance companies don’t cover the high cost of the vaccine in their plans.

         Also some people think its good to have the vaccine available but they don’t want it to be mandatory.  If the vaccine cost was lower, or if it was covered in insurance plans, perhaps more people will be willing to be vaccinated.

        On a different note, some people are against vaccinating their children because they believe it will encourage promiscuity, and give them a false sense of protection. Some parents are enraged at the thought of vaccinating young 10 & 12 year olds against STDs.  One doctor said:”If parents could tell me exactly six months before their daughters become sexually active, then we can vaccinate them then and it would be effective.” Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.  

         There has recently been some discussion of giving the vaccine to young men, since they can be carriers of HPV without showing any symptoms.  There is no way to test males to find whether or not they have HPV, and HPV can cause cancer in males as well, though it has caused exceedingly less cases than in females.  Doctors do not know any long term side effects that could be caused by vaccinating males.  In the UK, the vaccination is licensed for boys 9-15, and many other countries are trying to license it as well.  Some people feel that because HPV has deadly effects in women, they should have first priority.  Research has also show that vaccinating males will be more costly that vaccinating females.  But males carrying the virus are endangering the lives of females.                        

            This is why it is important to always be safe, even though condoms are not 100% effective against preventing HPV, doesn’t mean they should not be worn. Also, women who are sexually active, should schedule a regular pap smear to be sure they don’t have the virus, or any abnormal cells. Lastly, if the Gardasil shot is available to you, and you and your parents both decide it’s a good idea, then this may also help prevent you from contracting HPV. This talk was not intended encourage getting vaccinated for HPV, though I’m not discouraging it either.  Instead, this talk is meant to make more people aware of Human Papillomavirus, because the 40% of people that know it exists should be 100%.