Prevention Of Cervical Cancer Through Immunization
It may soon be possible to eliminate cervical cancer, which is the second most common malignant disease in women worldwide. It is usually caused by a virus called the human papilloma virus (HPV), which also causes genital warts. Genital HPV infection is common among young sexually active females and is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse.
In June of 2006, the FDA approved a vaccine that provides protection against HPV types that are associated with at least 70 percent of cervical cancer and 90 percent of genital warts. The vaccine is extremely effective and has shown no significant toxicity. The vaccine is made through recombinant biotechnologic techniques and is not derived from and does not contain any live virus. The vaccine is made by Merck and has a trade name of Gardasil.
In August of 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that routine immunization against HPV should be given to all females 11-12 years of age. The vaccine can be given as early as 9 years of age, and is also recommended for all females 13-26 years of age who have not been previously vaccinated. The ACIP consists of 15 experts in fields associated with immunization who have been selected by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide guidance on the most effective means to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases. It is the only entity within the federal government that makes such recommendations. The ACIP recommendations on HPV prevention can be read in a PDF document from the CDC's Web site.
On September 12, 2006, Women in Government, a national, bi-partisan, non-profit organization representing women state legislators, recommended that all girls entering middle school be immunized against HPV. The group does also support parental exemptions based on existing state immunization guidelines. Women in Government initiated a "Challenge to Eliminate Cervical Cancer Campaign," in 2004.
Additionally, on September 12, Michigan State Senator Beverly Hammerstrom, a Republican and Michigan's Majority Floor Leader and Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee, introduced legislation that would require all girls entering 6th grade to have been immunized against HPV (with exemptions for medical, religious or philosophical reasons). This is the first such legislation introduced to date, however, it is expected that other states will introduce similar bills. More information can be found in a PDF document on the Women in Government's Web site.
If you have a daughter, or are yourself between the ages of 9-26, you should talk with her/your doctor about the potential benefits of this vaccine. It could be a life-saving discussion.
Ed Zimney, M.D.
Dr Z's blog can be found at http://blog.healthtalk.com/zimney/
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