If you’ve watched TV lately, you’ve seen the commercials: “It’s started — the side-hug,” says a mother as her young son gives her an awkward half hug. Then there’s the father dropping off his school-age daughters. “As the ‘Dad Cab,’” he says, “it’s my cue to help protect them.”
These Merck ads remind parents of school-aged children to get them vaccinated to protect against cancers caused by the HPV infection.
1. What is an HPV infection?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that can lead to certain types of cancer later in life, said physician Manika Suryadevara, pediatric infectious disease specialist at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
HPV is the most frequent sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. — even more common than herpes or gonorrhea. It is generally spread through sexual contact and direct skin-to-skin contact; the most common route of transmission is penetrative sex.
“More than 100 types of HPV exist, with more than 40 affecting the genital area,” Suryadevara added. “The virus can cause genital warts, throat cancer, cervical cancer and other genital cancers.”
It can cause cancers of the vagina and vulva in women, the penis in men, the anus and the back of the throat for both men and women.
Cancer usually takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. There is no way to know who will develop cancer or other health problems from HPV.
HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of cancers that are caused by HPV. That’s why HPV vaccines work best when given at age 11–12 years, before contact with the HPV virus.
2. Who is at risk for having HPV?
All sexually active men and women are at risk of having a HPV infection. About 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime, according to the CDC. The more partners you have had, the more your risk increases.
There are both low-risk and high-risk types of HPV. Usually, your immune system gets rid of a low-risk HPV infection naturally, within two years, without causing any health problems. However, for some people, high-risk HPV infections can stay in the body for many years, even decades. These long-lasting, high-risk types are of concern because they are the types that can lead to cancer.
The body’s immune system may be able to clear the virus or the virus may quietly persist for years before developing a cancer. The risk for cancer increases if your body cannot fight off the virus for some reason and it stays in your system.
Physician Allison Roy of SUNY Upstate Medical Center said: “Sometimes the body clears the infection, but we know that the longer the HPV stays around in the cervical cells, the more likely it is to cause dysplastic changes or the precancerous changes that then go on to develop a cancer.”
3. Is there a test to determine whether I have HPV?
As the changes in your body that could indicate you have the high-risk type don’t usually have any symptoms, therefore testing is how to detect a high-risk type of HVP before it becomes cancerous.
The Pap test and the HPV test determine whether you are at risk, says the CDC. Start getting Pap tests at age 21. Both tests can be done in your health provider’s office.
It is recommended that women aged 21-65 have a Pap test every three years. Women aged 30 and older can consider Pap testing every five years if the procedure is combined with testing for HPV.
4. Should I be concerned if I have HPV?
“If you get a positive HPV test, your physician has detected one or more high risk strains of the virus. Our experts say the most important thing to know if you have HPV is that the risk of cancer is very small but should be taken seriously. Don’t panic and don’t ignore it,” said physician Lois Ramondetta of the MD Anderson Cancer Center online.
“HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease, but most of the time it isn’t a big deal,” said PlannedParenthood.org online.
5. Who should get the HPV vaccine — and when?
Children should receive the vaccine by age 12 because at that age they probably have not yet been exposed to any types of HPV.
“Pediatricians offer the HPV vaccine to adolescents along with tetanus, meningitis and other standard vaccines,” Suryadevara said. “By vaccinating boys and girls, you are protecting both genders from developing HPV-associated cancers later in life. Without the protection of immunization, many individuals will acquire the HPV infection at some point.”
Most insurance companies cover the cost and there are financial assistance programs that may be able to help you if you do not have insurance.
“Be sure the kids are vaccinated!” Suryadevara said.