Cancer is one of those diseases where almost everyone knows someone who has been affected.

Whether it’s a family member, close friend, or even yourself, the reach of cancer is unfortunately very far and very wide.

Now, imagine if I tell you that there is a way to dramatically reduce the chances of getting a certain type of cancer. All you need to do is get a specific vaccination and you have enhanced protection for life.

The vaccination I am referring to is the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination.

The human papilloma virus, like most other viruses, has several different types. Each specific type of HPV can cause a specific type of disease. While a few types are responsible for non-cancerous conditions, such as common warts, other types of HPV are responsible for the development of cervical cancer in females. It is not a stretch to say that ALL cervical cancer (with very few exceptions) can be attributed to infection with HPV.

HPV is most often transmitted via sexual contact, but sexual contact is NOT the only way HPV can be transmitted. This is a very common misconception. HPV can be spread simply when skin come into contact with any infected material. This means that using a facility like a public restroom or other any place where a person infected with HPV has been, creates a risk for spread.

Although primarily developed as prevention for cervical cancer in females, there are additional benefits to getting the HPV vaccine.

The same types of HPV that causes cervical cancer in females can also cause males to develop cancer of the genital area.

Although not specifically a cancer, certain types of HPV are responsible for a rare but extremely debilitating disease, laryngeal papillomatosis, which is characterized by small tumors that attach to places in the throat such as the vocal cords. This can cause significant issues with your voice and at it’s worst, can close off the airway - making breathing extremely difficult, if not impossible. This can happen in both males and females.

So, the question is, how can you jump on board now and prevent all of this from happening?

The answer: Get your HPV vaccine NOW if you are eligible, and have your children get it as soon as they are able to!

The current HPV vaccine, Gardasil, currently protects against nine types of HPV, including seven of those that cause cancer. The complete vaccination series is either two or three shots, depending on when the series is started. If a person starts the series prior to age 15, only two shots are needed, making completing the series much easier. Vaccination can begin as early as age nine in both males and females. If you are an adult, the vaccine can be started as late as age 45.

Vaccination is currently one of the most polarizing issues in the United States. Weighing the benefits of individual freedom to choose versus the benefit of the greater population is a debate that has raged for decades. As a pediatrician, I obviously support legislation in support of vaccines. However, I think it is important to think about vaccination against HPV as an opportunity that is unique.

Quite simply put, the HPV vaccine is CANCER PREVENTION. Plain and simple.

As adults striving to maintain our health, I am sure most of us would argue complying with the general guidelines for cancer screening and prevention such as mammography for breast cancer and colonoscopies for colon cancer is of the utmost importance.

And as parents, we should always want the absolute best things for our children. We want them to enjoy a full life free of significant disease. This is a way we can help to ensure this for them.

I am a proud pediatrician who is also a parent who wishes nothing but the best for my daughter. Once she becomes old enough to receive the vaccine, I will absolutely ensure that she gets it.

I hope that by understanding that this goes beyond simple vaccination and is primarily about cancer prevention, that you will too!

To learn more about WVU Medicine Children’s or schedule an appoinment, visit WVUKids.com or call 1-855-WVU-CARE(2273).